Written answers

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

International Relations

Photo of Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider placing an Irish presence in Sarajevo for the EU Heads of Mission meetings as Ireland enters the EU Presidency in order to facilitate and monitor the peace process in Bosnia and prevent further disintegration of stability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49678/12]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland is a strong supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective, and closely monitors developments in the country. Ireland’s embassy in Slovenia is accredited to Bosnia and Herzegovina. While an Irish diplomatic presence in Sarajevo would be desirable, the considerable financial pressures of recent years have led to further reductions in Ireland’s already small diplomatic service. Severe resource and budgetary constraints mean that it will unfortunately not be possible to have a presence on the ground in Sarajevo during our Presidency. However our Ambassador and the Deputy Head of Mission in Ljubljana have travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina several times in the past year, and will continue to travel regularly, including to attend EU Heads of Missions meetings, and to report on developments there.

I am also pleased that the European External Action Service has built a strong presence in Sarajevo. Under the arrangements of the Lisbon Treaty, it is the EEAS rather than the rotating Presidency that takes the lead on the EU’s relationship with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nevertheless, Ireland will continue to take a strong interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina and we stand ready to support and assist the country in its progress towards its EU perspective, both during our Presidency and beyond.

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