Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has a network of 92 Honorary Consuls in 54 countries. The position is honorary and Honorary Consuls play an important role in delivering consular assistance and services to our citizens and in representing Ireland abroad.

While the role and functions performed by Honorary Consuls can vary, they are generally appointed to provide consular services and assistance to Irish citizens in their area of accreditation. They act as a focal point for the local Irish community, particularly in countries where there is no resident Mission, and they assist with trade promotion and arrangements for high-level visits, in consultation with their supervising Mission, as well as promoting the increase of Ireland’s visibility and profile.

The Honorary Consulate in Cancun has been in place since August 2008, and the term of the current Honorary Consul there was recently renewed until August 2026. The Government has no plans to upgrade the Honorary Consul in Cancun to a Consulate General office. The Embassy team in Mexico City manages Ireland’s relations with Mexico. It is considering appointing new Honorary Consuls in the coming months in the cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey, and has invited suitable candidates to submit expressions of interest.

The Governments Global Ireland programme aims to see Ireland’s global footprint and influence double in the period to 2025, including through an expanded and strengthened diplomatic presence. Since its launch in June 2018, 14 new Missions have been opened, including, in 2021, in Kyiv, Manchester, Manila and Rabat. A Government decision in 2021 approved the opening of a further four new Missions in Dakar, Lyon, Miami and Toronto. Along with the reopening of our Embassy in Tehran, this will bring to 19 the number of new Missions opened as a key deliverable of 'Global Ireland' .

All Missions are located in regions where there are opportunities for Ireland to advance our national, political and economic priorities. Missions work as part of an integrated Team Ireland in cooperation with State Agencies and other Government Departments, to strengthen Ireland's international reputation and drive the development of opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, science, technology and innovation, culture and education.