Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to move on because it is getting late. Regarding new diplomatic missions, despite the fact that a number of new embassies and consulates have been opened in recent years, we are still under represented in different parts of the world, either by having no representation or a very small presence. I have raised this issue a number of times. I was in Australia over the summer. It is amazing when Irish people gather in large numbers in different places, particularly once they get GAA clubs established. It promotes healthy rivalry. The Melbourne Irish were quick to have a go at the Sidney Irish saying that they were getting everything because they have a consulate. They assured me that a consulate in Melbourne would be very much utilised. There are vibrant Irish communities in many cities in Australia, but Melbourne is a large city and a very important economic centre. It would be a really worthwhile initiative to open a consulate in Melbourne. In Sidney I noted something that does not happen very often. Even before I had an opportunity to visit a Government service people told me how valuable and important it was to them. That is the experience of people with the consulate in Sydney. From how it was described I thought there was a staff of 30 or 40 people. It turns out that the staff is two or three, one of whom is on secondment. The interaction they have had with the Irish community and also with very important stakeholders there makes it a very valuable resource for Ireland, which is good value for money, if nothing else. We could have a similar situation with a consulate in Melbourne. Are there any plans in this regard and are any other consulates or embassies going to be opened in 2024?