Vol. 544 No. 5
47 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the functions for which the diplomatic bag is used; the way in which it is transmitted; if it is subject to customs examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24870/01]
The diplomatic bag is used by my Department to send official material from headquarters to Irish embassies and missions abroad and vice versa. All Government Departments can avail of this service. This material would include, for instance, official correspondence, official documents and publications, information materials and stationery items.
For most destinations the usual method of transmission is via the An Post express mail service, EMS. Whenever bulky items – for example, information materials – have to be sent, air freight is used as there is a weight limit on the express mail service. Air freight is also the most suitable means for some more distant destinations. International courier services are used for a small number of destinations where neither EMS nor air freight is suitable.
Diplomatic bags are sealed and locked before leaving the Department or mission. They are also clearly marked as diplomatic mail. Under the provisions of Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, dated 18 April 1961, the diplomatic bag may not be opened or detained by the receiving state.
