Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Minister that the system has served us well and that it is very beneficial. Recently he spoke about enhancing the role of the embassies, perhaps as regards promoting Irish industry abroad. I may be incorrect in that, but I saw a report to that effect. Would he agree that perhaps there is merit in putting all of these bodies under the one roof? In addition to dealing with the diplomatic aspects of foreign affairs, perhaps trade could be linked to the embassies to a greater extent, combining offices abroad - whether it is An Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland or whatever - in one grouping.

We had a delegation from Kenya here last week and they were wondering whether we were going to re-establish the embassy there. Are there any plans to create new ambassadors? My final question is about a subject I have raised before, namely, the idea of looking outside the diplomatic corps for a percentage of our ambassadors. Perhaps this is not something the Department would welcome, but many countries use this model successfully. As Ireland exports so much and is seeking to create a brand for itself, this could be particularly apposite. Former Taoiseach, John Bruton, for example, has done an excellent job for the European Union in the United States. I am sure that many in the secretariat in Brussels were not supportive of that appointment at the time. I imagine the former Deputy and leader of the Labour Party, Dick Spring, would make a great Irish ambassador to the United States, given his connections there - perhaps we should think outside the box and not be strangled by the ropes of history.

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