Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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30. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has to extend the embassy and consulate network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53218/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland's diplomatic and consular network is comparatively modest in size and includes 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral Missions and 10 Consulates General and other offices. 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 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; 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 size and deployment of the State's network of missions abroad is kept under ongoing review and any possible reconfiguration would have regard to national priorities and available resources. Those priorities include the State's strategic economic and political interests, including trade and inward investment, support for Irish exporters, and the promotion of our values as regards human rights, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes within and among states.