David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. Currently we have two other special envoys, Mr. Tom Arnold and Mr. Kenneth Thompson, who are doing very important work, although I was not aware of it up to now. It is very valuable. I assume both of these envoys were appointed in a similar way to the proposed appointment of Katherine Zappone. The process involved due diligence in the Department and the work was identified as being important before the appointments were made.

There is the concept of a special envoy versus ambassador-at-large. I do not believe we have any ambassadors-at-large but other EU countries do. Approximately ten countries in the Union have roles similar to that proposed for Katherine Zappone. They see it as very important that such a civic space is represented. It was quoted in one of the documents that Ireland's voice should be heard loud in the area.

The LGBTI strategy mandates the Department of Foreign Affairs to work internationally to promote LGBTI+ rights. Will the Minister indicate, on foot of all that and given this role is so important, whether there is a proposal to nominate or find somebody else for the proposed position?