21. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department has recognised the countries or regions with the greatest need for Irish citizen consular assistance where no Irish embassy or consulate currently exist; the measures her Department is considering to ensure easier access to consular services in these areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50082/26]

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a long and proud track record of providing high quality consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our embassies and consulates worldwide is a priority for me in my role as Minister.

A new consular case management system was deployed in March 2026 for use by our Consular Directorate in Dublin and across our extensive global mission network. This system allows for a greater analysis of consular case trends, both geographically and in terms of case type. This analysis assists my Department to identify the regions with the greatest consular assistance demand.

Our top 10 busiest countries in terms of consular assistance are:

1. Spain

2. Great Britain

3. United States of America

4. Portugal

5. Turkey

6. France

7. Thailand

8. Germany

9. Australia

10. Greece

There are Irish embassies in all of these locations, in many cases supplemented by consulates general.

Since 2018, under Global Ireland 2025, Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly with 27 new diplomatic missions opened. This has allowed my Department to enhance its provision of consular assistance to Irish citizens in these countries and regions.

Ireland’s network of embassies and consulates is complemented by honorary consuls who provide vital support especially in delivering emergency consular assistance and services to our citizens, often in countries or regions where we do not have an embassy or consulate. We currently have 94 honorary consuls in 54 countries. In 2026 to date we have appointed four new honorary consuls, with planning underway to appoint further honorary consuls in several locations worldwide.