Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way consuls are appointed; if any consul has been replaced since 1 January 2007; and if so, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25008/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to the appointment of Honorary Consuls rather than to the Consul positions filled at full time Consulates in the normal way by career civil servants who are transferred abroad for a temporary period.

When deciding where Honorary Consuls of Ireland are to be appointed, I have regard to whether such appointments are justified by the need to provide for the welfare of Irish citizens, both resident and visiting, or by the prospects of developing trade and economic relations with the country or region concerned.

Persons who are appointed as Honorary Consuls are generally experienced professional or business people who are well established, have good high-level contacts in Government and business circles in that country or region and have centrally-located offices suitable for use as a Consulate.

When it is considered that an appointment as Honorary Consul may be justified, suitable candidates who would be willing to undertake the duties involved are identified, usually by the Irish Embassy accredited to the country concerned. The matter is then submitted for my consideration.

If it is decided that a particular appointment as Honorary Consul should be made, it is necessary to seek the agreement of the relevant Foreign Ministry. When that agreement is received, the nominee is formally offered the position for an initial period of three years which may subsequently be extended by mutual agreement.

At present, Ireland has a total of 87 Honorary Consuls and Honorary Consuls General. As the Deputy will appreciate, from time to time, those who are appointed may resign, or their services may no longer be required if, for example, an Embassy of Ireland is established in the same location and takes over the role of providing Consular Services.

Since 1 January 2007, the process of appointing Honorary Consuls has been completed in three cases: Hong Kong; Agadir, Morocco; and Harare, Zimbabwe. In Hong Kong, the previous appointee resigned after many years of much appreciated service. In Agadir and Harare, the appointments are of our first Honorary Consuls in those locations and were made primarily to meet the consular needs of Irish citizens.

Our Honorary Consuls are not full-time officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs but are honorary appointees who undertake, in addition to their own occupations, to do invaluable work on behalf of Ireland. In particular, the dedicated and personal consular services that they provide to Irish citizens who find themselves in difficulty are greatly valued.