Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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29. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of work-related credit cards that have been issued to each Irish ambassador, deputy ambassador or equivalent, and consul general, to date in 2024, in tabular form [40116/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is making increasing use of electronic methods of payment for improved security and more efficient business practices. To facilitate this, credit cards are issued to Diplomatic Missions where there is a specific business need, including a regular pattern of low value or infrequent payments, a need to make online payments, or where suppliers require a hold to be placed on an order for goods or services e.g. meals for visiting delegations or hotel accommodation in advance of the event. In most cases, these credit cards are assigned to the senior staff, i.e. Ambassadors, Deputy Ambassadors and Consul Generals.

Extensive controls are in place governing the use of credit cards. All cards are approved centrally by the Finance Unit in Headquarters on a case by case basis and may only be used to arrange for payments that have been dual-authorised i.e. by two members of the team. Each transaction is accounted for in the Department’s Financial Management System and reviewed centrally as part of a robust monthly reconciliation and reporting process.

Diplomatic Missions issued with credit cards in 2024 to date are set out in the table below.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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30. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are plans to open an Irish consulate general office in the Algarve region of Portugal in 2025. . [40117/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is continuing with the planned expansion of Ireland’s mission network, in line with the Global Ireland Strategy. While a range of possible locations remains under review, there are currently no plans to open a new Consulate General in the Algarve region of Portugal.

However, I am pleased to confirm that, following an open competition and completion of the associated official processes, an Honorary Consul has been nominated for the Algarve. The Portuguese authorities have confirmed their agreement. The appointment of the Honorary Consul will take effect in November 2024 and will further enhance Ireland’s consular support to Irish citizens in the region.