Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for tabling this question. I do not propose to change the criteria for the selection of Irish ambassadors. The legislative framework for diplomatic relations is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, an international treaty that provides a framework for diplomatic relations between states. The Vienna Convention was ratified by Ireland in 1967 and incorporated into Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967.

Irish Ambassadors to countries abroad are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government following nomination by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ireland has a successful tradition of a non-political Civil Service whose mission is based on the principles of integrity, impartiality, effectiveness, equity and accountability. Assignments as ambassador are drawn from existing officials and I believe it would be a mistake to change a system that has contributed to Ireland’s very strong international reputation.

Ireland has consistently demonstrated its capacity to exert influence and make a distinctive contribution on pressing issues such as peace and reconciliation on this island, leadership within the European Union and UN multilateral bodies, services for our diaspora and consular care as well as in the delivery of an excellent programme of international development. The women and men of the Department of Foreign Affairs who are appointed as ambassadors, acting under the direction of the Minister and Government of the day, have played a decisive role in these efforts.

In considering nominations of people to serve as ambassadors, a range of factors are taken into account, including political, economic and trade priorities and their skills and experiences for the role. In addition to considering people's relevant skills, gender balance is a further important consideration. I am pleased that more than half of Ireland's diplomatic missions abroad are headed by women. My Department will continue to work closely with Publicjobs.ie to build diversity in recruitment to ensure that the Department is representative of the people we represent.

Maybe the Deputy could outline what ideas he has in mind but it is important to point out there is a diversity of background coming into the service in the first instance which then gives a breadth and depth of available talent.

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