Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he contemplates opening further embassies worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7424/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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With the opening of new missions in Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Vietnam in the latter half of last year, Ireland now maintains a network of 55 embassies, six multilateral missions and 13 consulates general overseas.

As I believe the Deputy will appreciate, any expansion of our diplomatic network can only be undertaken having regard to clear priorities. However, and while there are no plans to establish further embassies at this time, the opening of new missions is reviewed by the Government on a regular basis.