Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is ten months, but that is a challenge for the parents of any child born now who want to travel with them to any part of the world in the next ten months. We live in a global world, ease of travel has returned post-Covid and so many Irish people are working in every corner of the world, so that is a challenge. I am pleased it has been raised.

My final point is on the matter of new missions, which was referred to by Deputy Brady. I was disappointed to learn from a reply to a parliamentary question that we do not have any plans for places like Lebanon. There might not be a huge Irish footprint there but the Tánaiste has referenced it a couple of times in the context of its strategic position in an area where Ireland is particularly engaged, for a number of reasons. If it is not on the radar now can it be placed on a long-term footing? The distance from Cairo to Lebanon is considerable, where any form of engagement is concerned. We have opened a new full-time mission in Jordan. We are represented in Israel. Palestine has been referenced. Türkiye is to the north. I would like to think that maybe at some stage in the future an increased presence in Lebanon might be on the radar.

Continuing on consular offices, I note the Tánaiste did not mention Perth in western Australia in his overview. I understood it was on a list somewhere. It seems to have gone down the priority list and I hope it could be restored because, again, I am sure there is quite a substantial Irish presence in Perth. Indeed, it is an increasing one, especially with respect to people in the medical profession. Australia being the vast territory it is I would have thought a consular office in Perth is something careful and due consideration would be given to.

Subhead A8 is Diaspora Affairs. I inform the Tánaiste parliamentary diplomacy is a very important aspect of diaspora affairs. There is in the Department the global parliamentary register, which I am sure is updated. This committee is very keen to ensure we can play a key role in Irish parliamentary diplomacy and where the global parliamentary register is concerned, we are always available here to receive parliamentary delegations involving members of the parliamentary and indeed business diaspora. Similarly, we are willing to assist the Tánaiste's Department to ensure parliamentary diplomacy and its importance is high on the radar. We are keen to continue to play our part in that regard. It is an important part of our diaspora strategy that is probably understated and underplayed.