Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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289. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Irish Ambassador to the United States intends to visit Barbados before the end of quarter 1, 2023. [6965/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland’s diplomatic relations with Barbados are currently established through Ireland’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

In December 2022, a Government Decision was approved by Cabinet to seek the accreditation of the Embassy of Ireland in Washington D.C. to Barbados, with the objective of enhancing relations between Ireland and Barbados. The relevant authorities of Barbados are currently considering this request. A decision regarding a visit by the Ambassador must await the outcome of these deliberations.

Ireland and Barbados enjoy strong bilateral relations, with regular exchanges taking place both bilaterally and through various multilateral fora, including the United Nations, CARIFORUM and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Our bilateral relationship has been further enhanced under the framework of Ireland's Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, which was launched last year, and our Strategy for Partnership with the Small Island Developing States.