60. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons that applied to become Ireland's new Honorary Consul based in North Carolina; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56474/26]

Ireland currently has 93 Honorary Consuls operating 54 countries across the globe. This global network is a strategic enabler, and offers a range of supports, including in the delivery of consular services and assistance to Irish citizens that need it, by representing Ireland abroad in areas where we do not have a resident diplomatic mission, and promoting Irish trade and economic interests.

As I am sure you are aware, these appointments are honorary in nature and, as such, are unsalaried and non-pensionable. Despite this, the appointment process is relatively lengthy, requiring an exhaustive interview process, conducted by the supervising mission, and both Irish and host nation political approval.

At present, Ireland has a network of 14 Honorary Consuls operating in the USA, managed by Consulate Generals in Atlanta, Austin, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and overseen by the Embassy of Ireland in Washington D.C.

You will be aware that we are replacing the previous Honorary Consul of Ireland in Charlotte, North Carolina, who, throughout his years of service, provided key support to Consulate General Atlanta, particularly in the context of the provision of assistance to Irish citizens visiting or residing in the region.

The Consulate General in Atlanta, in collaboration with colleagues based in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin, is currently engaged in the recruitment process to appoint a new Honorary Consul in Charlotte, North Carolina. This process is relatively lengthy and, as it is currently ongoing, it would not be appropriate to provide further details at this time.