Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 35: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason he is closing down Ireland's consulate in Wales; if this will adversely affect relations with Wales; if there are plans to close further consulates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21867/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It was with regret that I recently informed the Right Honourable, Rhodri Morgan A.M., First Minister of Wales, of the decision to close our Consulate General in Cardiff.

While the closing of the office will means that we no longer have a full time representative based in Wales, I am determined that this necessary but regrettable action will not adversely affect Ireland's close relations with Wales and with the Welsh Assembly.

I assured the First Minister that this decision should in no way be construed as a downgrading of our relationship with Wales or with the Welsh Assembly. The Government is determined that the close co-operation between the two administrations will continue to be developed, bilaterally and through the British Irish Council. I am confident that Ireland's bilateral relationship with Wales can be fully sustained and promoted through the Irish Embassy in London and I have asked our Ambassador there to allocate the necessary resources to ensure this.

Ireland has a small diplomatic service, operating with limited resources. The significant budgetary pressures currently being faced by my Department, as for all Government Departments, means that difficult decisions are required. The decision to close the Consulate General in Cardiff was taken in this context. There are no plans currently to close further Consulates.

In the Government's "Smart Economy" document, published at the end of 2008, my Department committed to reviewing its network of missions abroad in order to ensure that they are operating at an optimum level of efficiency, are delivering tangible services and outcomes for the benefit of Ireland and its citizens, and that resources are aligned with our strategic objectives.