Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 608: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons and the organisations to which they are attached which have been granted diplomatic immunity within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25382/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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All diplomatic agents of embassies in Ireland, including their spouses and families, are granted diplomatic immunity in accordance with the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967. This Act incorporates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, into Irish law. The convention also provides for this immunity to be waived by the sending State at any time.

Currently there are 54 resident diplomatic missions in Ireland, with approximately 880 diplomatic agents, including their spouses and families. The total number of diplomatic personnel fluctuates regularly due to the staff rotations of other states. There are 59 embassies accredited to Ireland but resident abroad, mainly in the United Kingdom. The diplomatic agents of such embassies are afforded diplomatic immunity when in Ireland.