Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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669. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding facilities available for diplomats here; and the details of changes regarding same over the past number of years. [26746/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The position of foreign diplomats in the State is governed primarily by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, incorporated into Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967. The Convention, which enjoys almost universal ratification, provides for various privileges and immunities for diplomats and diplomatic missions, while also providing for a duty to respect the laws and regulations of the host state. Diplomats are also exempt from VAT in respect of certain purchases on a reciprocal basis pursuant to the Value-Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 29) Order 1996. The Diplomatic Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which was published on the 5th of April of this year, is currently awaiting Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann. The purpose of this Bill is to enhance the efficiency, efficacy and clarity of various arrangements with respect to the staff of diplomatic missions and international organisations. To this end, the Bill proposes various amendments to the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967 as well as to citizenship, immigration and employment permits legislation, which have been developed in consultation with the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. These amendments are largely of a minor and technical nature.