Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:239. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if discussions have begun on the appointment of the new Irish Ambassador to the United States. [15476/25]
View answerTuesday, 1 April 2025
Questions (239, 240)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:240. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has ever been given around political appointees as Ambassadors. [15477/25]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Question No. 240 answered with Question No. 239.