Written answers

Thursday, 26 November 2020

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Diplomatic Representation

Photo of John BradyJohn Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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32. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to reopen an Irish Embassy in Iran. [38303/20]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The closing of our Embassy in Tehran in 2012 was a decision based on deep cuts to Government spending. We maintain open relations with Iran on a range of issues, and Iran continues to have an Embassy in Dublin.

The Embassy of Ireland in Ankara is accredited on a non-residential basis to Iran. The Ambassador in Ankara supports our engagement with Iran, including the development of political relations, trade relations and supporting Irish businesses.

Ireland is also represented in Iran by an Honorary Consul. Honorary Consuls are an important element of the State’s global engagement and provide consular services and assistance, as well as supporting citizens.

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.

I am conscious of the factors that might warrant the opening of an Embassy in Iran, and I will continue to keep the configuration and scale of Ireland’s diplomatic network under constant review.

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