Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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193. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether there are any plans for new embassies planned for any countries in which Ireland does not have a full-time mission; whether consideration is given to shared facilities with other EU member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33432/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Global Ireland 2025 was launched by Government in 2018 with the aim of doubling Ireland’s footprint and impact by 2025. Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly with the opening of twenty-two new missions under the Strategy.

A further five diplomatic missions were approved in 2024 with new embassies planned for Belgrade, Sarajevo and Chisinau, and consulates general in Melbourne and Malaga.

These missions are scheduled to open over the course of 2025 and 2026 and once operational will bring the total number of Ireland’s diplomatic missions to 107.

There is a commitment in the current Programme for Government to strengthening Ireland’s place in Europe and around the world. This will be set out through the development of a new Global Ireland 2040 strategy.

The precise location of any missions opened in the lifetime of this Government will be based on an analysis of how they might contribute to the promotion of our economic interests, our values in a changing and uncertain international landscape, the promotion of our culture and in building stronger bridges with our diaspora.

When reviewing new locations the Department reviews the options for sharing facilities with other EU member states or the EEAS, especially during the start-up phase for a new mission.

In countries where our state agencies have a presence, our preference to date has been to consolidate the Ireland House model, whereby we co-locate missions with the state agencies. This brings together all state agencies under one roof, providing an enhanced offering to the citizen and improved value for money.