Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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48. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with the current spending for repair and maintenance by the Embassies of Ireland over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30809/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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My Department currently utilises 138 premises abroad in pursuit of its mission on behalf of the State. These consist of offices and official residences of Heads of Mission which provide platforms for our Missions to promote Irish economic interests, provide services to the public and represent Ireland in international organisations. These premises need to be maintained, repairs are inevitably required from time to time, operating requirements change and it sometimes proves necessary or advantageous to relocate to more economical accommodation. Total amounts of €2.97 million and €2.70 million were spent for these purposes in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The bulk of the expenditure over the past two years has been on essential repairs and maintenance; upfront transitional expense involved in relocations to more cost-effective premises which are yielding significant net savings and operating benefits to the State; temporary reconfiguration of office space to accommodate the additional staff required to conduct the EU Presidency; and implementation of expert recommendations for strengthening of security systems.

This expenditure was necessary to ensure that Missions have the accommodation necessary to fulfil their responsibilities and present a positive image of Ireland and its potential as a business partner, investment location and tourism destination.