Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to answer this question. I have asked my Department to undertake a review of the role and appointment of special envoys, given the public commentary and debate on this issue in recent weeks. It is anticipated that the review will be completed by mid-October because I have asked that it be a priority. The recommendations of that review will inform policy regarding any future special envoy appointments by Government. No consideration will be given to appointing any special envoys in any policy area until that review is complete and until I have had the opportunity to consider its recommendations.

I need to re-establish the credibility of appointing special envoys. We have two effective special envoys working for us, but what has happened in recent weeks has undermined public confidence and confidence in this House between parties in the appointment of and potential roles of special envoys. I need to fix that and we will do that with this work. The Taoiseach has been clear, and I agree with him, that as part of that work we will ensure any future special envoy appointments will involve a competitive and transparent process for how people are invited to apply for those roles. I will happily come back to the Deputy when I have the recommendations from that work. We will take it forward then with credibility.

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