Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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5. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to deepen Ireland’s diplomatic presence in Australia and New Zealand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27475/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland opened an Embassy in Wellington in 2018, under the Global Ireland Strategy. This ensured Ireland has a strong diplomatic presence in both Australia and New Zealand, with resident Embassies in Canberra and Wellington, plus a Consulate General in Sydney.

These missions contribute to the deepening of bilateral relations, and serve vibrant Irish communities in each country. Furthermore, Ireland has Honorary Consuls in place in Perth, Australia and in Auckland, New Zealand who provide dedicated consular support to Irish citizens in those regions.

In March of this year, the Government approved plans to open a Consulate General in Melbourne. This new mission will enable the Government to deepen Ireland's engagement further, by building further political links, supporting Irish business and engaging with Irish citizens locally. The decision to open this Consulate General underlines the importance which this Government attaches to strengthening our relationship with Australia as a whole.

The Government continues to keep the resourcing of Ireland's mission network under review.