Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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239. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if discussions have begun on the appointment of the new Irish Ambassador to the United States. [15476/25]

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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240. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has ever been given around political appointees as Ambassadors. [15477/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.

The legislative framework for diplomatic relations is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, an international treaty that provides a framework for diplomatic relations between States. The Vienna Convention was ratified by Ireland in 1967 and incorporated into Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967.

Irish ambassadors to countries abroad are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government following nomination by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Ireland has a successful tradition of a non-political civil service whose mission is based on the principles of integrity, impartiality, effectiveness, equity and accountability.

Ireland has consistently demonstrated its capacity to exert influence and make a distinctive contribution on pressing issues such as peace and reconciliation on this island, leadership within the European Union and UN multilateral bodies, services for our diaspora and consular care as well as in the delivery of an excellent programme of international development. The women and men of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that are appointed as ambassadors, acting under the direction of the Minister and Government of the day, have played a decisive role in these efforts.

Assignments as ambassador are drawn from existing officials and I do not propose to change a system that has contributed to Ireland’s very strong international reputation.

In considering the nomination of ambassadors, a range of factors are taken into account including current political, economic and trade priorities as well as an official’s skills and experience for the role. These factors will all be considered when considering the nomination of all ambassadors, including the next Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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241. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has been given to appoint special envoys to the US for trade, culture and other shared interests between Ireland and the US. [15478/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ongoing and strategic political engagement with the United States is a top priority for this Government. This is reflected in my Department’s ‘Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025’ which aims to consolidate, deepen and expand the partnership between Ireland and the United States.

The Programme for Government published earlier this year also places emphasis on the unique significance of the transatlantic relationship. It commits to enhance our diplomatic presence, with particular attention to Southern States. It aims to build connections with State legislatures. Other actions include boosting our EI and IDA staffing levels, and ensuring we have the expertise to maximise opportunities in strategically important sectors.

We have a very strong diplomatic network across the United States. The opening of our Consulate General in Miami in 2022 brought our diplomatic footprint to nine missions. In recent weeks, this network supported 9 members of the Government, myself included, in leading and delivering highly impactful Saint Patrick’s Day Programmes across the United States. All year round, they work to support the remarkable political and economic links between Ireland and the U.S.

Our States agencies also have a strong presence, working closely with the diplomatic network. In Austin, Chicago, New York and San Francisco, they do so under one roof as part of an Ireland House. Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia, Screen Ireland, Culture Ireland and Tourism Ireland all play an important role in deepening our transatlantic partnership. Team Ireland is complimented by two specialist Cultural Officers, one on the East Coast and one on the West.

I am pleased that our new Talent and Innovation Attachés are taking up duty in Boston and San Francisco shortly. This is an important aspect of the Governments Global Citizens 2030 Strategy which I launched when I was Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

We are ambitious about deepening our relationship with the United States, even at this moment of economic uncertainty, and will ensure that our network has the resources necessary to meet this task.

I have no plans to appoint Special Envoys to the US. The appointment of any Special Envoys in my Department would of course be subject to the process for the approval of Special Envoys approved by Government in November 2021.