Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

102. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to reopen the Irish consulate general office in Cardiff; the estimated cost of reopening the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44522/17]

Simon 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 scale and presence of the network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis.

Any decision to adjust the State’s external representation, including the opening of missions, will have regard to national priorities and available financial and staffing resources. A range of factors are taken into account in considering our diplomatic representation overseas, including our national political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.

Following the Taoiseach’s recent announcement to double Ireland’s global footprint by 2025, the Department has commenced a process of identifying optimal locations for the expansion of the diplomatic network. This has already been yielding results, with my announcement on Budget Day of five new missions to be opened in the near future.

The question of further expansion of the diplomatic network, including in Wales, will be considered in the context of the plan to augment our network to 2025, which will be finalised in the coming months. The question of associated costs will be considered once this plan is finalised.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s relationship with Wales will continue to be fully sustained and promoted through Ireland’s Embassy in London, who have prioritised this objective. Work on Ireland’s relations with Wales and the Welsh Government will also be carried out in Dublin, including via the Welsh Government representative at the British Embassy.