Source: RTE

By Staff Reporter

Ireland will open seven new missions abroad as part of the next phase of expanding Ireland’s global footprint.

The new embassies and consulates will be in Cardiff, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Kiev in Ukraine, Manila in the Philippines, Rabat in Morocco, and Monrovia in Liberia.

“The value of our networks abroad to the prosperity and wellbeing of our citizens has always been clear to me,” said Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney at the launch of ‘Global Ireland’, the Government’s initiative on expanding and deepening Ireland’s presence around the world.

“Our mission network, made up of 80 embassies, consulates, and representations, is modest by international standards. I believe it is prudent and wise to invest now in that global presence. This plan will extend the consular network that supports and protects Irish citizens and serves Irish communities abroad.”

The Tánaiste said the new policy sets out pledges to expand Ireland’s engagement with EU partners, broaden support to Irish businesses, and allow the country to play a comprehensive role in addressing global challenges. “It is important too that we strengthen in key locations where we already have a presence. That’s why we are augmenting our embassies in Rome, Madrid, Warsaw and The Hague, as we have already done in Paris and Berlin,” he added.

With increased resources abroad, Ireland would have an opportunity to play an extended role in tackling global challenges while also meeting our moral obligations as global citizens, Minister Coveney said.

“That’s why we are seeking a seat on the UN Security Council and it’s why we plan to rapidly scale up our spending on overseas development assistance towards 0.7 per cent of GNI (gross national income), as also signalled in the strategy launched today.

“Investing in our global presence in the coming years will help safeguard our economic and political wellbeing long into the future,” he added.