Diplomatic network expansion
Deputy McLoughlin asked about the programme for Government commitment to review and expand Ireland’s diplomatic network in line with strategic priorities. The Tánaiste said the Government had an ambitious global expansion plan, with new embassies, consulates and staff postings already announced.
There is a specific reference in the programme for Government to evaluating Ireland's diplomatic network to ensure that its breadth and depth is consistent with Ireland's strategic priorities. It also references the potential expansion of this mission in line with proposed strategies for Asia-Pacific and the Americas.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy McLoughlin for his question which is related to my own policy brief area. We have a very ambitious plan to expand Ireland's diplomatic network globally. In the last budget, we announced the opening of a number of embassies and consulates and new staff postings in some of our existing and strategically important embassies, particularly in the European Union. There will be a lot happening in this space over the coming months.