Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the issue raised by Deputy O'Sullivan and the horrendous reports of rape in a number of countries, Ireland takes a very active interest. Where necessary, our ambassadors and embassies undertake work in this regard. I discussed the issue recently with Michelle Bachelet, executive director of UN Women. We also have a very strong position on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which addresses the issue of the impact of conflict on women. It is a matter of great concern.

It is our policy to have country teams which bring together the embassy and the different trade agencies. The country teams, which are headed by the ambassador of each country, report back to the export trade council on the co-ordinated activity that is under way. I refer to some excellent examples such as the establishment in some countries of Ireland House, in which all the agencies are under one roof and work in close co-operation with each other.

Ireland has a relatively small footprint internationally but there is significant potential for growth in trade and attracting investment. There is also increased demand for consular services, as more Irish people are travelling to a range of countries, and for visa applications from people wishing to visit Ireland. I have been looking at how we can make the best use of the Department and the agencies in the context of Ireland's representation abroad, in all its facets, in a more co-ordinated and integrated way. I hope to bring proposals to the Government in the not-too-distant future.

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