Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:120 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to diplomatic representation in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; and his proposals in this regard. [3233/01]
Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation.
Ireland's diplomatic representation in Estonia is by means of secondary accreditation from its embassy in Helsinki. Our diplomatic representation in Latvia and Lithuania is through means of secondary accreditation from our embassy in Warsaw. In addition, Ireland is represented in Latvia by an honorary consul.
Ireland has in recent years accelerated its programme for the opening of embassies in countries with which Ireland has, or aims to have, increased trade, economic and political relations. Ireland maintains embassies in all EU member states. In relation to the EU applicant states, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, it is proposed to continue a phased expansion of diplomatic representation in the remaining applicant countries, over a number of years on a priority basis and having regard to the likely timing of EU membership.