Austin Deasy
Ceist:65 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will open up the area of appointment of ambassadors and diplomats to include a broader section of society. [17043/99]
Written Answers. - Diplomatic Service.
Appointments to all ambassador posts and most other diplomatic posts abroad are made from civil servants of appropriate rank and experience in the Department of Foreign Affairs. The remaining small number of diplomatic posts abroad, all in specialist areas, are filled by officers seconded from other Government Departments.
I have no proposals to change the present arrangements. Our diplomatic service is a professional one and I believe this approach has served the country well.