Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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31. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of maintenance and repair work in the top ten Irish Embassies for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8088/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s diplomatic network currently comprises of 61 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 12 Consulates General and other offices. Through them, we maintain diplomatic relations with 176 states.Staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade promote Ireland as a destination for investment and lobby and negotiate for Ireland on issues that could impact our economic interests: whether that’s on trade policy, taxation issues or other crucial issues.

The Embassy network has played a particularly important role in repairing and enhancing our reputation and promoting economic recovery.

Our official diplomatic and consular premises overseas are key platforms for promoting Ireland’s interests and values abroad, providing vital services to our citizens, our diaspora and to visa-required business travellers resident in the host state who wish to travel to Ireland.

Accordingly, it is necessary that our accommodation confirms with local requirements, is in good condition and presents a positive image of Ireland.

The complex international security environment also requires that we ensure the protection of our staff and visitors as well as the confidentiality of our work.

Refurbishment of our properties is carried out as necessary to ensure that our small teams abroad have the facilities necessary to fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

It has been necessary at various times to upgrade Consular offices to meet current health and safety standards for a work-place and for public offices. This includes the facilitation of disabled access by the installation of toilet facilities and disabled access to consular counters.

All expenditure undertaken in respect of refurbishment work was duly sanctioned in accordance with prescribed procurement procedures.

The tables below rank, in descending order of expenditure, the cost of maintenance and repair work, including enhancement of security, consular and passport services in Irish Embassies abroad for the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.

2011