Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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251. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Irish Embassies that are scheduled for refurbishment in 2023; the nature of these works; the timeframe for when these works will commence, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5289/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The goal of my Department’s Property Strategy 2022-25 is to deliver a network of high quality, safe, secure and sustainable workplaces to double Ireland’s global impact and influence to 2025 and beyond. That network comprises 101 diplomatic and consular missions around the world, of which 70 are Embassies. 

Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025 is a strategy that envisages the most ambitious expansion of Ireland’s international presence and influence that will strengthen Ireland’s engagement with our global diaspora and service to our citizens.  To date, implementation of this strategy includes the establishment of 17 new missions, of which 8 are Embassies and 9 are Consulates General, with the Government committed to open a further 9 new missions by the end of 2025. 

When initially established the new missions operate from temporary premises.  Planning is under way to establish new mission premises in Manila, Frankfurt, Rabat, Manchester, Toronto, Miami, Lyon, Tehran and Kyiv. 

The upkeep of our 172 official premises overseas, of which 37 are State-owned and 140 are leased, requires constant review and investment in order to ensure that appropriate standards are maintained for staff and visitors, including meeting security and health & safety requirements.  From time to time, this will require a mission to move to a new premises. For example, the embassies in Mexico and Ottawa are moving to new locations this year. Planning is also underway to develop new Ireland Houses in Shanghai, Chicago, Singapore and New York.

In accordance with the National Development Plan 2021-2030, the Department is at an advanced stage in awarding a contract to construct a new chancery building in Abuja inside the secure EU compound and construction began on a new Ireland House in Tokyo late last year, which is scheduled to be completed by 2025. In addition, preparatory assessments are underway on property options for the Embassies in Washington DC and London.