Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin TD, today announced the opening of five new overseas missions under the Global Ireland programme, further strengthening Ireland’s global presence and influence.
The Tánaiste today received Government approval for the opening of new Embassies in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova, and new Consulates General in Málaga and Melbourne.
Government also discussed the possibility of a mission presence in the future in Montenegro, given Ireland’s strong support for its EU Candidacy.
Speaking after Cabinet, the Tánaiste said:
“Ireland is broadening its existing networks and building new partnerships across the world. Today’s decision will bring to 27 the number of new missions opened since 2018. This expansion is amplifying Ireland’s voice in the world.
Our new Embassies in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova are a clear statement of Ireland’s commitment to EU enlargement. This represents a major scaling up of our investment in the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood, where we are a strong supporter of regional stability and post-conflict reconciliation. Countries in the region look to Ireland as an example of how a country can benefit from, and contribute to, the European Union.
The decision to open a Consulate General in Málaga is driven by the need to put our citizens first and protect them when they are travelling abroad. Spain is our most popular overseas holiday destination with about two and a half million visits to the country from Ireland every year. Our Embassy in Madrid does a fantastic job and this work will be strengthened with a Consulate General that is on hand to support our citizens locally.
A new Consulate General in Melbourne will give Ireland a stronger platform in this thriving economic hub, which is also home to vibrant Irish diaspora communities. Australia is the world’s sixth largest country and Melbourne is on track to be its biggest city by 2030. This is somewhere we need to be, making our links to Australia even stronger.”
