Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans for the further rationalisation of Irish embassies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44885/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland’s diplomatic network includes 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral Missions and 10 Consulates General and other offices overseas. In addition to their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis which enhances the cost-effectiveness of our external representation. Our missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland’s foreign policy interests. These include representing and advancing government policies with other States and in international organisations, in particular the EU and the UN; economic and cultural promotion; frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; engaging with Irish communities and harnessing the resource they offer in assisting economic recovery; and programme management, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries.

The size and scale of our diplomatic network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. Any decision to adjust the State’s external representation by closing, opening or relocating missions, will have regard to national priorities and available resources.