Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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403. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a comprehensive overview will be provided of the proposed Ireland house strategy for diplomatic missions abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19140/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The ‘Ireland House’ concept brings Embassies or Consulates and State Agencies under one roof in critical overseas markets to ensure a joined-up Team Ireland approach to promoting Ireland abroad. My Department is working together with other Government Departments and State Agencies to support the development of the Ireland House model, as committed to in the Programme for Government.

Working in a collaborative way under one roof provides an effective platform from which to promote Ireland as a great place to invest, trade with, study and visit. The model enhances Ireland’s profile in key markets from a political, economic and cultural perspective and is a key asset in strengthening our bilateral relationships and enabling Ireland’s engagement and influence in the world.

At present there are Ireland Houses operating in 20 locations worldwide.  We are currently in the process of finalising an Ireland House in Mumbai as part of the expansion of Ireland’s Diplomatic Network under the Global Ireland Strategy. Work is underway on the development of a new landmark Ireland House in Tokyo, which will provide a high quality centre for Ireland’s engagement in Japan, a key trade and investment partner for Ireland. We are also advancing further opportunities, including in Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.