Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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243. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount each Irish embassy overseas cost in 2014. [28006/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The work of our missions around the world continues to be important in Ireland’s economic recovery and the restoration of our international reputation. Our embassies’ work in support of Ireland’s interests include: promoting Ireland as a source of high-quality exports, a destination for investment, research, study and tourism to targeted audiences and contacts; supporting trade missions and other trade-focused high-level visits, record numbers of which have taken place in the last four years; directly assisting Irish companies with advice, introductions and working to resolve regulatory or market access issues, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland; providing frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; influencing and negotiating for Ireland on issues that could impact our interests and priorities.

The cost of each Irish Embassy in 2014 is set out in the following table. The cost of running Embassies includes staff costs, office costs, building rental and/or maintenance and other overheads.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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244. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish embassies overseas which are based in properties that his Department owns; and the value of each of these properties. [28007/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The work of our missions around the world continues to be important in Ireland’s economic recovery and the restoration of our international reputation. Our embassies’ work in support of Ireland’s interests include: promoting Ireland as a source of high-quality exports, a destination for investment, research, study and tourism to targeted audiences and contacts; supporting trade missions and other trade-focused high-level visits, record numbers of which have taken place in the last four years; directly assisting Irish companies with advice, introductions and working to resolve regulatory or market access issues, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland; providing frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; influencing and negotiating for Ireland on issues that could impact our interests and priorities.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. However, I would caution that the figures include valuations which are subject to the price volatility of the current global property market.

The embassies listed have been acquired in locations where the Government considers that the State should be represented and where there is clear advantage to owning, rather than renting, accommodation. These premises provide platforms for the promotion of Ireland’s trade and economic interests and cultural heritage, while also serving as showcases for Irish arts, crafts and products.

Embassies owned overseas by the Department at carrying value in the Appropriation Account at 31 December 2014:-

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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245. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of overseas Irish embassies based in properties that are rented by his Department; and the amount spent in rent by each embassy. [28008/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The work of our missions around the world continues to be important in Ireland’s economic recovery and the restoration of our international reputation. Our embassies' work in support of Ireland’s interests include: promoting Ireland as a source of high-quality exports, a destination for investment, research, study and tourism to targeted audiences and contacts; supporting trade missions and other trade-focused high-level visits, record numbers of which have taken place in the last four years; directly assisting Irish companies with advice, introductions and working to resolve regulatory or market access issues, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland; providing frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; influencing and negotiating for Ireland on issues that could impact our interests and priorities.

The information requested by the Deputy is listed in the following table. Figures relate to rental payments in 2014. My Department proactively manages our lease portfolio and engages actively with our Missions on an ongoing basis to ensure value for money and that, where possible, savings are made.

(ii) Tokyo– this represents 3 months’ rent as 9 months was paid in advance in 2013.