Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the House on Second Stage of the Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which was published on 5 April. The purpose of the Bill is to enhance the efficiency, efficacy and clarity of various arrangements with respect to the staff of diplomatic missions and international organisations. To this end, the Bill proposes various amendments to the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967, as well as to citizenship, immigration and employment permits legislation, which have been developed in consultation with the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The amendments are largely of a minor and technical nature.

I will briefly outline the contents of the Bill which contains three Parts with 11 sections. Part 1 concerns preliminary and general matters. Section 1 provides for the Short Title of the Bill, while section 2 is a technical clause.

Section 3 repeals section 49 of the 1967 Act which requires the Government's consent to be obtained before an Irish citizen can be appointed to serve in the State with an international organisation covered by the Act. This provision which is now 50 years old is no longer in line with contemporary practice in international relations.

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