Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

In terms of Kenya, there are no immediate plans, and we are examining the entire configuration of Irish embassies at the moment, reviewing our strengths and weaknesses, with a view to establishing our future strategy and where we should be represented, within existing resources, given the economic climate. Recently we announced the establishment of an embassy in Abu Dhabi, for example, as part of that process.

In terms of the broader question, the present system has worked. Sometimes that does not sound trendy, and might seem to be a defence of the status quo, but the idea of career diplomacy with a build-up of experience and capacity, understanding the broad range of functions that have to be performed demands background education, capacity experience and learning from others within the service. There is enormous strength in the system we have had in place since the foundation of the State in terms of the quality of the Irish diplomatic service. We would be foolish, in my view, to tinker unnecessarily with that.

In terms of the Deputy's point about greater synergies between other State agencies and the economic and other spheres, he is right. In some instances we have created what is termed "an Ireland House effect", where we house the various bodies on one campus. For example, the permanent representation in Brussels would house all Government agencies under one roof, to conduct all the work relevant to Brussels.

The Deputy mentioned the possibility of recruiting outside and I agree that the former Taoiseach, John Bruton has been an excellent EU ambassador to the United States. I would not say, however, that his appointment was that far outside the box, in so far as he was a politician of distinction with long service in this House, who would have been aware of the European Union and the role of the diplomatic service. That was not a case of a person going cold into a new role. In terms of the private sector, we should have to consider that very carefully. Bringing people in cold from outside may have a superficial attraction, but it could also be laced with complications. Political partiality, too, is a key issue. I should hate to see the Irish diplomatic service ultimately become a buddy system that would reflect the spoils of office, for example, with the appointment of an ambassador being dependent on being well in with the particular parties in office. We need to be careful about that.

See this speech in context