Diplomatic Representation Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Ceisteanna (172)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

172. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 66 of 29 May 2013 and 121 on 11 June 2013, if he will confirm the exact number of Corps Diplomatique or CD sign usage on Irish car registration plates; the number of CD signs that are allocated to each diplomatic mission here and if he will outline such in tabular form; if a central register is kept in his Department or that of the Revenue Commissioners to enable members of An Garda Siochana to verify particular vehicles using CD signs on vehicles; if he will detail the privileges that CD signs grants drivers of vehicles on Irish roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35460/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As outlined in my replies of 29 May 2013 and 11 June 2013, my Department is currently reviewing the practice prevailing in other European countries covering CD vehicle identification procedures and it is hoped that this review will be completed by the Autumn. There is at present no system for the issue of CD vehicle plates to members of the diplomatic corps.

The privileges and immunities of accredited members of diplomatic missions are governed by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Acts 1967, which in turn give effect in Irish law to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961. The issue of CD vehicle plates is not provided for in the Vienna Convention, and their presence on a vehicle is not determinative of an entitlement to privileges and immunities, but rather is typically a visual indication that a vehicle is being used by a member of a diplomatic mission. Accordingly, the fact that there is currently no system for the issue of CD vehicle plates does not affect in any way the privileges and immunities to which the staff of a diplomatic mission are entitled.

On being notified to my Department in accordance with Article 10 of the Vienna Convention, the members of diplomatic missions are issued with identity cards which may be produced to assist members of An Garda Síochana to verify their status under the Convention.