Press release
Inaugural Conference of Irish Honorary Consuls
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The inaugural Conference of Honorary Consuls of Ireland will take place in Farmleigh and Dublin Castle from 17 - 19 September. For the first time ever, Ireland’s network of 75 Honorary Consuls from around the world will come together in Dublin. The conference takes place against the important backdrop of the centenary of Ireland’s diplomatic service and the ‘Global Ireland’ initiative, our ambitious programme to double the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025.
Speaking ahead of the conference, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, T.D. conveyed his appreciation for the vital role our Honorary Consuls play in the global engagement of the Irish State:
“Whether it’s providing consular services; offering assistance in emergency situations; or supporting the Department’s economic and trade promotion functions, our Honorary Consuls do invaluable work. Their contribution to the promotion of Ireland’s interests and values in the world is deeply appreciated.”
Opening the conference at EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum on 17 September, Minister for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon TD, said:
“Honorary Consuls play a critical role in our global support and engagement, and I want to thank them all for the invaluable contribution they make to the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and, more broadly, to Ireland.”
ENDS
Ireland has an extensive network of 88 Honorary Consuls across 55 counties. Our Honorary Consuls provide a vital and cost effective support to the Government across a range of priorities. While the roles and functions performed by Honorary Consuls can vary, they are generally appointed to provide consular services and assistance to Irish citizens in a specific geographical area, particularly in countries where there is no resident Embassy. They also assist with trade and cultural promotion, in consultation with their supervising Embassy.
The appointment of an Honorary Consul is an honorary one, unsalaried and non-pensionable. Each Honorary Consul is entitled to a small stipend to cover their out of pocket expenses. They may also retain half of the consular fees they collect, to offset the cost of providing such services and can reclaim certain communications costs incurred as part of their service delivery.
Decisions on the establishment of Honorary Consulates are taken by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade having regard to our objectives to:
(i) provide consular services and/or assistance to Irish citizens;
(ii) support local Irish community efforts
(iii) assist in the development of trade and economic relations with the country or region concerned.
Location of Honorary Consuls
| Africa | 7% | |
| Latin America and Caribbean | 9% | |
| Asia | 11% | |
| Middle East | 11% | |
| US/Canada | 22% | |
| Europe | 40% |
Details of Honorary Consulates can be accessed through searching ‘by country’ in our directory of Embassies, Consulates and Honorary Consulates