Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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331. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken formally with the Irish ambassador to Australia since he assumed office. [2811/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland and Australia enjoy close diplomatic relations, anchored in shared values and close people to people links. Our Embassies are engaged in a range of activities to deepen our engagement. In 2021, we celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations with Australia. Ireland and Australia share a common outlook and shared values on many global issues. We also work closely with Australia in multilateral fora, at the UN and beyond.

I engage regularly with officials within my department with responsibility for bilateral relations including relations with Australia. I am also briefed on developments in Australia when necessary and recently met with senior officials to discuss current areas of engagement. These briefings incorporate valuable information provided by our embassy network.

Bilateral consultations are due to take place next February in Canberra at the level of senior officials, to discuss areas of future cooperation between Ireland and Australia.