Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the remarks by Senator Seery Kearney concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the horrors that continue to be inflicted there. I have proposed on a previous occasion that we have statements on this matter with the Tánaiste. It is critical at this juncture that we do not forget about that horrific conflict.

I agree with Senator McDowell that we should not be dismissing or expelling ambassadors. At all times, we must keep diplomatic channels open. I am probably one of the most critical in this House of China and some of the ways in which it oppresses the Uyghur people. I put forward a Commencement matter today on the situation in Hong Kong. However, under no circumstances, even though I am very critical of the Chinese Communist Party, would I ever suggest that we should expel the Chinese ambassador. Given there are Irish citizens trying to flee Gaza and an eight-year-old Irish citizen, Emily Hand, has been held hostage by a death cult for more than a month, it is critical that we maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.

On a slightly more positive note on the diplomatic front, I welcome the appointment of 14 ambassadors yesterday by the Department of Foreign Affairs. In particular, I note the appointment of John Concannon as our new ambassador to Canada, whom I wish well. It is a very important appointment that follows the appointment of Martin Fraser. Those appointments show it is not necessary to be a career diplomat to be appointed as an ambassador representing Ireland. I have suggested in the past that we need to look at opening up some of the senior posts within the Department of Foreign Affairs. They should not be political appointments and they certainly should be competitive. There are opportunities there to appoint people who have excelled in other walks of life. I wish all our new diplomats well in their postings but I also call for a broader debate around such appointments.