62. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount that her Department spent on providing foreign language training skills to Departmental officials being deployed to Irish Embassies and or Consulate General Offices worldwide where that country's first spoken language is not English in 2025 and to date in 2026; if there is a contract for an external company to provide these language skills; and if so, the name of the company that was awarded the contract. [52710/26]

Developing and maintaining foreign language proficiency is an essential part of an effective diplomatic and foreign service and a range of language training supports are in place in my Department to ensure that language skills are developed and maintained. Language skills are necessary to promote and protect Irish interests and values, and to provide excellent services to citizens.

Staff preparing for posting to an Embassy or Consulate overseas are offered foreign language training in advance of their assignment abroad and for the duration of the assignment abroad. In addition, language training is offered to all staff in the Department with an interest in developing language skills for future assignments abroad or for the benefit of their work in headquarters.

The figures below include the total spend on foreign language training in 2025 and 2026. They include figures for all staff who are studying foreign languages including those on posting abroad and staff serving at headquarters.

There is currently no single contract in place for these services.  Providers are selected on a case-by-case basis depending on the language required, and the type of course required. Three quotes are sought for each contract to ensure value for money.

Foreign Language Training