Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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121. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to appoint a resident ambassador to the Holy See; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44884/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government appointed the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as non-resident ambassador to the Holy See, thereby ensuring that contact with the Holy See is maintained at the highest possible diplomatic level. Ambassador Cooney travels to Rome regularly and I am satisfied that the current arrangement for Ireland's representation at the Holy See is the most effective possible in light of the resource constraints faced by the Department.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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122. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to extend the Irish diplomatic and consular representation in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44885/13]

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. In addition to their country of residence, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a concurrent basis which enhances the cost-effectiveness of our external representation. Our missions abroad work very closely with the state agencies in the promotion of exports, tourism and inward investment. They perform also a wide range of functions in support 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 citizens overseas; engaging with and supporting Irish communities and with programme management, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries.

The scale and presence of our diplomatic network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. Any decision to adjust the state's external representation in the coming year will have regard to national priorities and available resources.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of ambassadors assigned on a full-time basis and on a part-time basis to international organisations; the names of such organisations; the status of our representation at each one; the proposals he has to review such assignments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44886/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland is committed to upholding a multilateral approach to international relations, based upon the equality of states and the rule of law. This commitment has been expressed through our membership of, and active participation in, international organisations such as the European Union and the United Nations. Membership of these organisations has enabled us to promote the interests, values and objectives which we, as a people, have traditionally held to be important.

Listed below are those missions which represent Ireland at international fora. Where the Ambassador is also accredited on a bilateral basis to the country in which the international organisation is based, this is indicated.