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Departmental Appointments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022

Tuesday, 24 May 2022

Ceisteanna (289, 290, 291)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

289. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the selection process for a recent diplomatic corps appointment (details supplied). [25905/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

290. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a recent diplomatic corps appointee (details supplied) has a diplomatic background; if they have sat diplomatic exams; and if they speak European languages other than English or Irish, as is usual in the diplomatic corps. [25906/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

291. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will address a matter related to a recent diplomatic corps appointment (details supplied). [25907/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 289, 290 and 291 together.

The Government nominates officers for Ambassadorial posts on foot of proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.  The nominated Ambassadors are subsequently appointed by the President and take up duty abroad following the receipt of agrément from the receiving State.  Only serving civil servants are considered for ambassadorial assignments.

In considering the nomination of Ambassadors, a range of factors is taken into account including political, economic and trade priorities.  In addition, management experience, regional knowledge, country knowledge, relevant language skills, policy experience, consular experience, and other factors are considered as part of the assignment process.

The practice of successive Governments has been to nominate Ambassadors who are established civil servants in the Department of Foreign Affairs.  Occasionally a Head of Mission, be that Ambassador, Consul General or Permanent Representative, may serve as Head of Mission on secondment to the Department of Foreign Affairs from another Government Department.  In addition, a number of former and current Heads of Mission have been seconded to other Government Departments in line with the Secondment Policy for the Civil Service. 

Assigned Ambassadors, and all other officers taking up diplomatic posts overseas, undertake a significant programme of pre-posting training to complement their existing skills and experience and prepare them for their assignments in Ireland’s missions overseas.

Successive Governments have acknowledged the wealth of experience offered by our civil servants and I am confident that each Head of Mission taking up duty this year is qualified for the office they are assigned to and will make an excellent contribution to the promotion of Ireland’s interests and values overseas.

The investigation referred to by the Deputy is not a matter for my Department.

Question No. 290 answered with Question No. 289.
Question No. 291 answered with Question No. 289.
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