Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

84. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the rationale for the appointment of a new Honorary Consul for Kazakhstan in Almaty, in view of the fact that his Department is currently conducting a review of the Honorary Consul Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31329/13]

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

The decision to appoint an Honorary Consul in Almaty had been made prior to the commencement of the review of the Honorary Consulate network. The appointment, which was approved by the Kazakhstani authorities last month, is expected to raise Ireland’s profile in Kazakhstan and to assist in promoting trade between the countries.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

85. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current status of the outstanding nominees for the positions of Honorary Consuls in Nairobi, Kenya; Kathmandu, Nepal and Antalya, Turkey; if he will detail if and when the nominations will be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31330/13]

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

The appointments of our nominees for Honorary Consul in Kathmandu and Antalya were both approved recently by the Nepalese and Turkish authorities respectively. The Honorary Consul in Antalya has already commenced providing consular services and will be fully operational very shortly. The Honorary Consul in Kathmandu is also in the process of being established and is expected to be operational by September. My Department is currently awaiting the formal approval of the Kenyan authorities to the appointment of our nominee for Honorary Consul in Nairobi. The outgoing Honorary Consul is continuing in that role pending the completion of the formalities for the appointment of his successor.