Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the status of immunity enjoyed by representatives of states with diplomatic representation here is not being abused and that such representatives are operating in compliance with domestic law and the Vienna Conventions. [41935/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Privileges and immunities of accredited diplomatic agents in Ireland are governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963, as incorporated into Irish law, by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act of 1967 and as amended by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act of 1976. My Department expects all those diplomatic agents duly accredited here, who are entitled to privileges and immunities, in accordance with Article 31 of the Vienna Convention to respect Irish laws and regulations, as indeed, we expect our Embassies abroad to respect the laws and regulations of the host country.

I would recall that the purpose of diplomatic privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the effective performance of the functions of diplomatic missions. The Department is bound by the Vienna Conventions of 1961 and 1963 as well as the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act of 1967, as amended by the Diplomatic and Immunities Act 1976. Any decision to waive the immunity of diplomatic agents rests with the sending state. As far as I am aware, there is no pattern of abuse of diplomatic immunity by diplomatic representatives based in Ireland who generally operate in full compliance with Irish law.