Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

109. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of recent controversy in the United Kingdom over diplomatic vetting as in a case (details supplied); the current standards and oversight mechanisms in place for Ireland’s nominations and appointments for foreign diplomatic posts, both multilateral and bilateral; and if the Government will consider publishing a review of precedent cases and reforms to ensure transparency and ethical oversight in selection. [49201/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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

In considering nominations of people to serve as ambassadors, a range of factors are taken into consideration, including political, economic and trade priorities, and their skills and experiences for the role. Assignments to Ambassadorial and Head of Mission positions are drawn from existing civil servants who, I believe, have contributed to Ireland’s very strong international reputation.

As civil servants the Ethics Acts and the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviours, as published by the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO), govern the standards and behaviours of all Irish Ambassadors, Heads of Mission and diplomatic officers. In addition, senior civil servants, including those serving as ambassadors, are also subject to the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.