Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies for their comments and statements and indeed for their support for this legislation. As I said at the outset, this largely technical Bill is designed to bring a greater element of clarity and efficiency to the arrangements that are in place for diplomatic missions and international organisations operating within the State. It also aims to strengthen further the safeguards for domestic workers in diplomatic missions and households. I would like to pick up on the points made by Deputies Darragh O'Brien and Seán Crowe, in particular. I thank Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick for his positive comments.

Deputy O'Brien spoke about the communication of guidelines to embassies. I remind the House that I publicly announced the introduction of these guidelines in September 2014. Some of the groups that have been mentioned, including Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, welcomed my public announcement at that time. In addition, I invited the diplomatic missions to a briefing by my officials, who are continuing to engage at all levels with missions and their staff to ensure they are very clear on their responsibilities. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to inform the heads of diplomatic missions of any changes in legislation, particularly as provided for in this Bill. I compliment my officials for their unstinting work on behalf of Ireland at home and abroad.

I would like to respond to Deputy O'Brien's point about the issuing of diplomatic passports. I remind the Deputy and the House that this Bill has no particular relevance to diplomatic passports which may be issued in certain circumstances to people who are not hosted abroad. The holding of a diplomatic passport does not confer any immunity or privileges. If the Deputy has particular concerns about such passports, I ask him to convey the nature of such concerns to me and I will be very happy to respond to him.

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