Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 623: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the privileges and immunities enjoyed by foreign diplomats and embassies. [25888/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The privileges and immunities enjoyed by foreign diplomats and embassies are set out in the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967 as amended by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1976. These Acts incorporate the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations into Irish law.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 624: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons enjoying privileges and immunities under the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Acts 1967 and 1976 and who have availed of these privileges to avoid criminal charges here. [25965/05]

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, as amended by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1976. These Acts incorporate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 into Irish law. The conventions make provision for 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.

Where proceedings are brought against an individual claiming immunity it is the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs, when requested, to issue a certificate of diplomatic immunity. This certificate informs the judicial authorities that the individual is an accredited member of a diplomatic mission to Ireland. The records of this Department do not indicate that a certificate has ever been issued in respect of criminal charges.