Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 217: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has requested the Department of Foreign Affairs to strengthen diplomatic relations with Libya, Sudan, La RCA, Nigeria and Cameroon in view of Ireland's decision to send troops to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33112/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Policy in relation to Ireland's diplomatic relations with other countries is a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Sudan and Chad during November 2007. In both countries, he outlined Ireland's expected role in the UN-mandated EUFOR Tchad/RCA mission and our commitment to the humanitarian objectives of that mission.

I have been advised by the Department of Foreign Affairs that recent years have seen a significant expansion of Ireland's diplomatic network in Africa, most recently with the establishment of an Embassy in Malawi. Ireland has a resident Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, and has good diplomatic relations with that country. Ireland also has diplomatic relations with Chad, Sudan and Libya, and established diplomatic relations with Cameroon earlier this year. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is currently considering possible changes to the current arrangements for accreditation to Chad. Ireland does not at present have diplomatic relations with the Central African Republic.