Enda Kenny
Ceist:111 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to open new Irish embassies. [18182/99]
Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation.
Austin Deasy
Ceist:116 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will open an Irish embassy in Brazil following the recent foundation of a new embassy in Mexico in view of the fact it has a population of 165 million people which accounts for approximately 50 per cent of the GNP for all of South America and at least one Irish firm has recently set up a very major manufacturing project in that country and several others are contemplating doing the same in the near future. [18082/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 116 together.
Since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs I have implemented a significant strengthening of the Irish diplomatic presence abroad. An embassy has been opened in Ankara and Consulates General have been opened in Edinburgh and Cardiff. Within the next week the Irish Embassy in Mexico will be opened. In addition the four Consulates General in the United States have been upgraded. The period ahead will see the establishment of an embassy in Singapore, Consulates General in Sydney and Shanghai, a Representative Office to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and the strengthening of our embassies in Beijing and Tokyo.
I am nonetheless conscious that Ireland's diplomatic representation overseas remains small relative to our increasing engagement in many parts of the world and relative to our partners and our competitors. There is an obvious need for a corresponding increase in the number of our resident missions. Existing missions also need to be consolidated and strengthened. This will be done when the necessary financial resources are available.
I am fully aware of the political and economic significance of Brazil and of the growing Irish contacts with that country. The Government is engaged in a review of our strategy towards Latin America and resident diplomatic representation in Brazil is under consideration within that framework.