Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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65. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider changing the criteria for persons to serve as ambassadors of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48896/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government nominates officers for Ambassadorial posts on foot of proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The nominated Ambassadors are subsequently appointed by the President and take up duty abroad following the receipt of agrémentfrom the receiving State. Only serving civil servants, mostly based in the Department of Foreign Affairs, are considered for ambassadorial assignments. Civil servants are recruited through publicly advertised competitions administered in line with guidelines issued by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.

In considering the nomination of Ambassadors, a range of factors is taken into account including bilateral and multilateral priorities. In addition, management experience, regional knowledge, country knowledge, policy experience, consular experience, and other factors are considered as part of the assignment process. Foreign language skills, where relevant, are also considered.

There are no current plans to change the criteria for appointing officers to serve as Ambassadors of Ireland.