Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is intended to open up further embassies or locate trade delegations in countries not yet having an Irish embassy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20348/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland maintains diplomatic relations with 174 States through a network of 76 missions (58 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions, 8 Consulates General and 3 other offices) overseas. As well as their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis which further enhances the cost effectiveness of our external representation. Decisions relating to the establishment of missions are a matter for the Government. The scale and presence of the Irish diplomatic network is being considered, along with all aspects of my Department's operations, as part of the Government's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure.

I can assure the Deputy that my objective is to optimise the capability of Ireland's diplomatic representation overseas. This was the focus of briefings at the Conference of Ireland's Ambassadors held in Dublin last month. Our missions abroad are in the frontline of efforts to secure external recognition and support for the actions undertaken by the Government to meet current budgetary challenges and to promote the foreign trade and investment essential to economic recovery. Accordingly, any adjustments to our diplomatic network will continue to be strategically focused, taking account of national priorities and available resources in the context of our current budgetary situation. In addition, I can assure the Deputy that all Government Ministers take every opportunity to include a trade element in their programmes when undertaking visits abroad.