Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:176. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she plans to expand the Ireland house model in South Africa. [72223/25]
View answerTuesday, 16 December 2025
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Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993, Ireland has developed close economic, political and people-to-people ties with South Africa. This was reflected in South Africa’s decision to invite Ireland to participate this year as a guest country in the G20 during the South African G20 Presidency. This year, in October, we also welcomed the successful official visit to Ireland by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ireland and South Africa enjoy strong trade and investment flows in both directions. Our Embassy and the state agencies work very closely together on the ground to promote Irish business interests. This includes local market team collaboration and mutual support to ensure successful trade and investment missions to South Africa.
In countries where state agencies have an office, and are situated in the same city as an Embassy or Consulate, our preference is to consolidate the Ireland House model, whereby missions and state agencies are co-located. Accommodating the representatives of the state under one roof improves services to citizens and business and offers opportunities for enhanced value for money.
Given business needs in South Africa, the Enterprise Ireland office is located in Cape Town and the IDA and Bord Bia share a representative who is based in Johannesburg. Embassies are always located in the capital of the country to which they are accredited, so physical co-location with state agencies is not always possible, as in the case of South Africa, where the Embassy is in Pretoria. However, I am pleased that the strong Team Ireland coordination and supports in place ensure that our economic interests are protected and advanced.