Government approves the nomination of Ambassadors

On the recommendation of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris, the government today approved three Ambassadorial nominations. These appointments will take place during 2025, subject to agreement by the receiving States.

Commenting on the nominations, the Tánaiste said: “I am delighted that Government approved Ambassador nominations today to Australia, Brazil and Sierra Leone. I know that those nominated will represent Ireland with great distinction in promoting our values, developing trade links and supporting our citizens abroad and I wish them every success.

“We also noted the assignments of our first Consuls General in Melbourne and Malaga who will each lead on the opening of our new Consulates in early 2026, as well as the appointment of our next Consul General in Toronto. Melbourne is an important economic centre and is home to a vibrant Irish community. We need to be there. Spain attracts more Irish holidaymakers than anywhere else in the world and our presence in Malaga will support the work of the Embassy in Madrid in providing services to Irish citizens there. Opening in Malaga and Melbourne will bring to 27 the number of new diplomatic missions established under the government’s Global Ireland strategy.”

All Ambassadorial level nominations are subject to the agreement of the receiving State and therefore in any reporting should be presented as nominations.

Global Ireland 2025 is a whole-of-government strategy that aims to double Ireland’s global footprint and influence in the period 2018 to 2025.

Ireland’s diplomatic network comprises 100 missions across the world. To date, under the Global Ireland Strategy, 22 new missions have opened. During 2025 and 2026, a further five new diplomatic missions will open: Embassies in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova, and Consulates General in Malaga and Melbourne.

With the nominations announced today, gender parity has been maintained in the leadership of Ireland’s diplomatic missions across our global network.

The Ambassadorial nominations approved by the government today are as follows.

Australia

Ms Fiona Flood, currently Ambassador to Brazil, to be Ambassador to Australia

Brazil

Mr Martin Gallagher, currently Director in Consular Division, to be Ambassador to Brazil

Sierra Leone

Mr Patrick McManus, currently Deputy Director in Development Cooperation and Africa Division, to be Ambassador to Sierra Leone

Ms Marylee Wall, currently Deputy Director in Development Cooperation and Africa Division, to be Ireland’s first Consul General in Malaga.

Ms Marie-Claire Hughes, currently Deputy Director in Development Cooperation and Africa Division, to be Ireland’s first Consul General in Melbourne.

Ms Claire Fitzgibbon, currently assigned to the European External Action Service, to be Consul General in Toronto.