Malcolm Byrne
Question:228. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will consider opening a permanent consulate in Montreal, Canada. [15109/26]
View answerTuesday, 24 February 2026
Questions (228)
Written answers
Strengthening Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Canada is a priority for this Government.
Under the Government’s Global Ireland Strategy, we have significantly expanded our diplomatic presence in Canada. Two new Consulates General were opened in Vancouver in 2018 and in Toronto in 2022. A new Embassy chancery in Ottawa was officially opened by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, in September 2025. Plans are also underway to open a new flagship Ireland House in Toronto, providing an enhanced platform to increase our engagement in the region.
Ireland’s Honorary Consul network has also expanded, which now includes Quebec, Calgary, St Johns, Edmonton and Halifax. The Honorary Consul in Quebec City engages on Ireland's behalf with the Province of Quebec. Enterprise Ireland, IDA and Tourism Ireland have offices in Toronto, while Enterprise Ireland also has an office in Montréal.
While there are no current plans to open a consulate in Montréal, a dedicated Francophone Officer was appointed in the Embassy in 2025 to advance Ireland's outreach and engagement in Quebec.
Work will begin shortly on the new Global Ireland 2040 Strategy, which is being led by the Department of the Taoiseach. The new strategy will focus on enhancing Ireland's international influence and further strengthening Ireland's place in the world. Decisions on new missions will be considered within the framework of this strategy.