237. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has plans to appoint an honorary consul in the southern region of Portugal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45800/26]

An Honorary Consul to the Algarve, Ms. Andrea Viegas, was appointed in December 2024. Ms. Viegas, is based in the town of Almancil, and covers the southern region of Portugal and operates under the guidance of our Embassy in Lisbon, led by Ambassador Alma Ní Choigligh. Unlike a career Consul, an Honorary Consul does not engage in the same programme of formal representational activity, but can provide a degree of consular assistance to Irish citizens and assist our Embassy with promotional and outreach activity in the region.