Departmental Data

Thursday, 2 July 2026

Questions (160)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

160. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the mechanism that exists for her Department to respond when a private individual or organisation uses language, titles or branding that could reasonably be understood by the public to imply an official diplomatic or consular status or function; and whether such a concern has been raised with or by her Department regarding websites (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50514/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not have a statutory role in regulating or monitoring the terminology, titles, or branding adopted or used by private individuals or private entities.

The Department has received correspondence expressing concerns regarding the activities of individuals associated with the specific websites referenced. These have been carefully considered.

I am satisfied that the Department’s established protocols and systems provide an effective framework, in line with international diplomatic practice, to safeguard the integrity of official engagement, and ensure that interactions are conducted with authorised diplomatic representatives.