138. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of embassies and consulates of Ireland operating at present; how this compared with the number at the time of the launch of the Global Ireland strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15450/25]

Sentiment score: 0.06

Thank you very much, a Cheann Comhairle. I wish you well, and it is good to see you back in the Chair. How many embassies and consulates is Ireland operating and how does this compare with the number at the time of the launch of the Global Ireland strategy?

Sentiment score: 0.40

I thank the Tánaiste. We have made fantastic progress in this area and it is commendable what has been achieved with respect to bolstering our global footprint. That whole Ireland House system has been a wonderful initiative, and it has never been more needed given our ever-changing and ever-shifting global priorities. When you speak to members of the diaspora, you get a great sense of pride and appreciation for what is achieved through our embassies. Sometimes it goes beyond monetary value. There is a tie back to the homeland, but also people living in those countries maybe feel a connection to Ireland that would not have been there previously. That is something we have to grow on. We are also seeing at first hand what embassies are doing on the ground, whether it be Irish lessons in Auckland or the likes of a film festival in Germany. I had an encounter recently with our local OFFline Film Festival committee, who got the opportunity to travel to Berlin and engage on the ground, giving them an experience of seeing things at first hand. It is a very important initiative and one we should continue.

Sentiment score: 0.50

When you look at days like St. Patrick's Day and what it achieves in reaching every corner of the world, the more locations where we can have a presence and be able to promote Ireland that way, the better. It also opens an opportunity for greater connectivity around the world. When you see the number of people who are coming here to work from the likes of South America, there is a real opportunity here, through balanced regional development, to create connectivity to other parts of the world that is not there already. We have seen how the Tánaiste's initiative with the trade consultants group in the US is reaffirming our commitment to the US. There is an opportunity now, considering the current juncture with regard to tariffs, to see how we can develop that further with regional locations around the globe to tie into our diaspora and networks that are connected back to Ireland, to continue to ensure we improve cultural ties and that business network, and to encourage investment back to Ireland through the likes of the IDA. Counties like Offaly have a balance with regard to the IDA that is not just American investment. It is important that we continue that.

Sentiment score: 0.59