Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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735. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of running all embassies and consulates in the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1549/16]

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 Embassy and Consulate is set out below. The cost includes staff costs, office costs, building rental and/or maintenance and other overheads.

The figures for 2015 are provisional.

Irish Embassy and Consulate - Costs Arising 2013 - 2014 - 2015

*The figures for 2015 are provisional and are subject to audit by Comptroller and Auditor General’s Office.