Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
282. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total number of diplomats posted abroad; the number of those that are posted to the US, India and China respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1830/26]
View answerMy Department has 105 diplomatic missions abroad, including Embassies, Consulates as well as missions to multilateral organisations, such as the European Union and the United Nations. During 2026, new Consulates General will open in Malaga and Melbourne. These missions are staffed by posted Irish civil servants and locally recruited staff.
There are 462 officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade posted abroad, and a further 180 officers posted from other Government Departments and organisations.[]
There are 7 staff from my Department posted in India. Ireland is committed to increasing our bilateral engagement and cooperation with India. Government strategies such as the Action Plan for Enhanced Engagement with India, the Action Plan on Market Diversification and the Asia-Pacific Strategy support this commitment.
There are 15 staff from my Department posted in China. The allocation of our staffing resources across our three diplomatic missions in China is reflective of the Government’s commitment to build long-term, strategic relationships across the Asia Pacific region. Ireland and China share an overall constructive relationship, marked by significant growth in economic ties and expanding people-to-people contacts over the last decade. Ireland takes a holistic approach to the relationship based on our interest, values and other priorities.
There are 48 staff from my Department posted to missions in the United States of America. The Government is committed to further strengthening our political, cultural, economic and trade relationship with the United States, at all levels, recognising the unique significance and value of the transatlantic relationship.
The Department continues to enhance our diplomatic presence across the U.S., to ensure we are well-positioned to respond to emerging opportunities. In December 2025, I announced that additional officers will be posted to Consulates General in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, as well as increased human resources in Embassy Washington DC.
