Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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157. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the full-year cost of running an embassy and a consulate, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1513/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The work of our embassy and consulate network around the world continues to be important in Ireland’s economic development and the enhancement of our international reputation. Our network promotes Ireland’s political, economic and cultural interests and values, provide services to our citizens, develop strategic stakeholder relationships and represent Ireland in international organisations. Our Embassies’ work in support of Ireland’s interests includes:

- 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-focussed high-level visits, record numbers of which have taken place in the last five 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 operating an embassy and consulate can vary significantly depending on its location, the type and range of services provided and the overall size of the embassy. The larger embassies/consulates would cost in the region of €1m to €5m per annum to operate. Smaller single diplomatic officer embassies/consulates would cost in the region of €0.5m per annum to operate.