Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 May 2018
54. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet with the Iranian ambassador; the previous occasion on which he met with him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24000/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of times the Irish ambassador in Ankara has visited Iran in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24001/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together.
Ireland, like other countries, uses secondary accreditations to carry on diplomatic relations with states where it does not have a resident mission. The Government has begun a programme to expand Ireland’s diplomatic footprint around the world, but it will always be the case that many countries are covered through secondary accreditations.
The Embassy of Ireland in Tehran was closed in February 2012. Since that date, the Ambassador in Ankara has represented Ireland in Iran as a secondary accreditation. Certain functions are also carried out by the resident Irish Honorary Consul, who is an Iranian national.
The Ambassador in Ankara has visited Iran twice each year from 2012 with the exception of 2016, when there was one visit. He has not yet visited in 2018. The Ambassador also remains in contact with EU Embassies in Tehran, and reports on Iranian affairs from Ankara. Other Embassy staff have also made some visits to Iran.
I have met the current Ambassador of Iran at functions but have not had a formal direct meeting with him. He meets frequently with senior officials in my Department.
