Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
43. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish diplomatic and support staff assigned to the Irish Embassy in Moscow; if there have been any changes in this number in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34628/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently three Irish posted staff members at the Embassy of Ireland in Moscow – the Ambassador, the Deputy Head of Mission, and one immigration officer from the Department of Justice.
In 2021, there were a total of eight Irish posted staff, which included three officers from the Department of Justice. Two posted staff were expelled in April 2022 by the Russian Government, in response to the expulsion of four officials at the Russian Embassy in Dublin. The reduction in numbers also reflects reduced economic activity as a result of EU sanctions on Russia in response to their ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
The Embassy employs fifteen Russian national staff members who provide administrative, technical and service support. This number has decreased by nine in the last two years.
