SHRINKING IRELAND’S diplomatic network to cut costs would amount to a false economy, given the important role Irish diplomats are playing in the country’s recovery, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has said.
“There are some who may question the value of our international activity and who may, particularly in these difficult economic times, suggest that we concentrate our efforts and our resources at home,” Mr Martin said at a conference on Irish foreign policy and diplomacy at UCC last night.
“I am strongly of the view that as a small country with an open economy, a strong export sector and a global diaspora, we need an effective international presence to get our point across, support our citizens and maximise trade and investment opportunities. Now more than ever, we must be seen to be ‘open for business’.”
In July 2009, the McCarthy report on public expenditure recommended that the State’s network of embassies and consulates be reduced from 76 to 55.
“These are difficult times, but short-term responses will have longer-term implications for Ireland,” Mr Martin said. “It is essential that the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to play a full and active role in our national economic recovery.”
Mr Martin noted that the scale of Ireland’s diplomatic network is modest compared to other European states of similar size and international profile. “The network is kept under ongoing review by the Government and has evolved historically in response to national priorities and available resources,” he said. “Our diplomatic representation plays a crucial role in enhancing and facilitating existing trade relations and laying the foundations for future economic relationships.”
The main rationale for the opening of an embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2009 and a consulate in Atlanta in 2010 was the “significant potential economic value” both presented to Ireland.
“I believe we should continue to review and reconfigure rather than rationalise in 2011 and beyond,” Mr Martin said. “We should always look outward and seek opportunity.”
He said a number of locations were currently under consideration for potential new missions. “I would certainly see Indonesia, for example, as a country where we should have a diplomatic presence,” he added.
Mr Martin said his department was working with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Culture Ireland and Bord Bia to “drive home the message that Ireland is the best location in Europe for turning smart ideas into world-class goods and services”.
Mr Martin also referred to his department’s efforts to forge a new strategy in terms of the State’s relationship with Africa.
“Ireland has a long tradition of bilateral ties with many African countries and a focus on development and nation-building.
“As these states begin to emerge and grow after many decades of difficulty, including conflict, it is important to re-examine how we can move to a post-aid relationship, one that reflects a partnership where both parties trade and do business.”
Mr Martin will next month host the first Africa-Ireland economic forum in Dublin to help stimulate business between the two. “I hope it will offer an important opportunity for Irish and African businesses to enhance and grow trade links through stronger bilateral and trilateral relationships. Trade will become a key part of our relationship with Africa in the future.”