Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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36. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the embassies currently without an ambassador; the length of time each embassy has been without an ambassador; when each post will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6523/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The diplomatic mission network plays a key role in promoting and protecting the values, interests and economic well-being of the country and its citizens.  There are sixty six Embassies, seven Permanent Missions, sixteen Consulates General and four other Representative Offices in the global network. 

Heads of Mission positions are filled by Ambassadors, Consuls General and Permanent Representatives as well as by Chargé d'Affaires in a small number of cases when the role is occupied on a temporary basis. 

Currently five Embassies are headed by a Chargé d'Affaires: Abuja, Addis Ababa, Athens, Helsinki and Vienna.  The dates on which officers took up duty is included in the following table.

These assignments are generally of limited duration but it should be noted that the current public health emergency and measures to combat the spread of the virus, including restrictions on travel, may have an impact on the timing of rotations. The rotation of officers at all levels to ensure effective cover and continuity of service is under continuous review by the Department.