Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 60: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his view on the value of Ireland's embassies in other EU States in informing his work and that of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2712/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Active engagement with Europe and with the other EU Member States is a core element of Ireland's foreign policy, and the work of our Embassies and diplomatic missions in other EU countries is crucial in this regard.

Europe and the EU have a pre-eminent place in much of Government policy. The Government's programme emphasises the importance of restoring Ireland's standing as a respected and influential member of the EU, and of the wider international community.

Our Embassies in other EU Member States have an important function in disseminating information about Ireland. Embassy staff are face to face with our partners in EU capitals, and are active in cultivating close bilateral relations. Through the networks and contacts that they build, Irish Embassies ensure that policy-makers – and indeed the wider audience – in their countries of accreditation understand Ireland's priorities and interests, both in relation to EU matters, and the wider foreign policy agenda. In turn, through their engagement with key contacts, Irish Embassies have an important role in reporting back to the Irish Government on the priorities and interests of the other EU Member States. The advancement of Ireland's economic interests overseas is a key priority for my Department both at Headquarters and through our Embassy network, where we work closely with all of the State Agencies. Ireland's Embassies in EU countries are active in promoting Ireland's economic and trading interests. Responsibility for certain trade functions transferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1 June of last year. I chair the new Export Trade Council, which aims to strengthen cooperation across all key Departments and agencies involved in the promotion and development of trade and exports and putting in place a joined-up approach to promoting our trade, tourism and investment sectors.

Ireland's Embassies in other EU countries work closely with the State Agencies and private enterprise to identify opportunities for the high quality products which Ireland exports and to support the growth of Irish business overseas.

In addition, Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, the Government's Trade Strategy and Action Plan for the integrated promotion of overseas trade, tourism and investment, has identified priority markets for Ireland which include a number of key high growth potential economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. The Strategy also recognises the importance for Ireland of established markets in the USA and the European Union, given our strong knowledge and understanding of these markets, embedded relationships that include historical and cultural linkages, the nature of our FDI base and geographic proximity.

Local market teams chaired by the local Ambassador and comprising representatives of the locally based State Agencies have been established in the all of the priority markets, including those in the EU, identified in the Trade Strategy. These teams execute detailed market plans, and report on progress to the Export Trade Council, which I have set up to monitor implementation of our Trade Strategy.

Our embassies in Europe also play an important role in promoting Ireland's cultural and scientific programme and reputation, in close cooperation with other Government Departments and economic agencies. They also work to maintain contacts and build networks with the Irish Diaspora living in other EU Member States.

In addition, Irish Embassies in other EU Member States have an important role in providing assistance to Irish citizens. Every year my Department provides consular assistance to thousands of Irish citizens. As EU Member States include some of the most popular destinations for Irish citizens travelling abroad, our Embassies in these countries continues to fulfil an important role in assisting Irish citizens in times of distress.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his view on the closure of the Vatican embassy in regard to Ireland-EU relations owing to the Vatican's role as diplomatic listening post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2713/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The decision to close Ireland's resident Embassy to the Holy See and to appoint a non-resident Ambassador was made following a comprehensive review of the Mission network and against a background of the need for my Department to reduce its expenditure in the current difficult economic climate that we face. The Government has nominated the Secretary General of my Department, Mr. David Cooney, as our non-resident Ambassador to the Holy See and the Holy See has signalled its agreement to this appointment. As Ambassador, Mr. Cooney will be travelling to Rome regularly to maintain contacts with officials of the Holy See on issues of mutual interest, including global issues such as development, human rights and disarmament, and to represent Ireland at major ceremonies.

I do not believe that the decision to appoint a non-resident Ambassador to the Holy See will impact on our relations with the European Union. Indeed, a number of other EU member States are also represented at the Holy See by non-resident Ambassadors.