Written answers

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Diplomatic Representation

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

415. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to reopen an embassy in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36283/17]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At present, Ireland’s diplomatic network includes 61 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions, 11 Consulates General and one Representative office. The configuration and scale of the State’s diplomatic network is kept under ongoing review by the Government.

The Government is of course conscious of the political, economic, trade and other factors that might warrant the opening of a resident diplomatic mission in Iran – as in a number of other countries. However, resource constraints do not allow us to have resident representation in all the locations that might objectively justify it having regard to those factors.

Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Iran is sustained and promoted through the Embassy of Ireland in Ankara on a concurrent basis. Ireland is also represented in Iran by an Honorary Consul.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.