Written answers
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Diplomatic Representation
8:00 pm
Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 71: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to reduce the number of Irish embassies in 2012. [27244/11]
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The scale and presence of the Irish diplomatic network is currently being reviewed, along with all aspects of my Department's operations, as part of the Government's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. Given the current budgetary situation, and recognising the role that our diplomatic network is playing in Ireland's economic recovery, any adjustments to our diplomatic network will continue to be strategically focused. In short, all our Missions abroad must continue to deliver benefits for Ireland and must do so in a manner that represents good value for money.
Consideration of proposals to reduce our diplomatic network must balance any potential financial savings against the operational and reputational costs that would be incurred, including undermining our ability to influence the policies of the countries in question and writing off investments made over years in developing bilateral relationships with them. At a time when Ireland needs as much international support and co-operation as possible, it is important to get these decisions right.
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