Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The State’s network of diplomatic and consular missions plays a key role in promoting Ireland’s political and economic interests and in protecting our citizens abroad. High standards of health and safety and universal accessibility are prerequisites when the Department acquires new premises or refurbishes existing properties. Of the total of 93 Missions overseas, the 15 listed in the following table do not currently have full wheelchair accessibility. In most cases this is because premises are located in an office block where the landlord has not yet installed the necessary infrastructure, or because the building has special heritage or listed status. Nevertheless, my Department will continue to work towards providing universal access to all our buildings. A new premises soon to be rented in Tallinn, and new Embassy buildings planned for Tokyo and Abuja will incorporate full wheelchair access facilities.