Ireland will complete its network of resident embassies in all EU member-states and in the countries that will accede in 2007, according to the Taoiseach.
Mr Ahern told the Dáil that "in view of the importance of strong bilateral relations with all our EU partners" the Government had decided to open embassies in Latvia, Lithuania and Malta to complete residences in all current member-states, as well as in Bulgaria and Romania, which are due to accede in 2007. He said these "will play an important role in developing our political, economic, social and cultural relations with our new EU partners".
He was speaking during a debate on the December council meeting of European leaders. During it the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, told Mr Ruairí Quinn (Lab) that "the money is available in the Estimate immediately to open the missions in question".
Mr Quinn said: "In areas where Ireland has a particular interest in terms of promoting trade or whatever, there should possibly be a secondment of personnel from Enterprise Ireland to enhance the trade capabilities. That initiative will not happen unless somebody drives it. I hope the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs will ensure that drive is maintained."
Mr Quinn also asked if the five embassies would have an "Ireland House approach" where as well as consular and diplomatic facilities there would be cultural and trade missions.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs said: "We are more than happy with the number of personnel being made available."
And in answer to Mr Quinn's question, he said: "I will follow the example of successive governments in the recent past and use embassies not only for diplomacy but to provide an economic promotion service for Ireland."
