Isteach Sa Teach
BY LLOYD GORMAN
COULD PERTH GET A FULL CONSULATE? The idea of beefing up Ireland’s diplomatic representation in Perth was raised – and not entirely ruled out – in the Dail (Irish parliament) during a debate of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defences back in early November 2021. Amongst the points and issues he raised, former foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan asked a question about Australia to the current minister for foreign affairs Simon Coveney. “Our relationship with Australia is good and has been for many decades,” said Mr Flanagan, a Fianna Fail Teachta Dála (TD) (MP) for Laois-Offaly, who also chairs the committee. “That will continue but, having regard to our diaspora in Western Australia and the economic relationship between Ireland and Western Australia, will consideration be given towards the establishment of a consulate in Perth?.”
Simon Coveney (left)
Charlie Flanagan
28 | THE IRISH SCENE
Mr Coveney – a Fine Gael TD for Cork South-Central – was able to add a personal note to his response. “Regarding Australia, I am familiar with the Irish diaspora in Perth,” Mr Conveney said. “One of them is my brother. He is a doctor there, like many other young Irish people and their families. The Department is assessing where the next phase of expansion will go. We have opened many new representations in the last years, from Chile to Colombia, from Toronto to Auckland, with a range in the United States, Manchester, Cardiff, Frankfurt, Lyon, Kyiv, Rabat and Liberia. It is a long list. We are trying to finalise the next phase of areas where we think enhancing
Ireland’s footprint makes sense politically, economically and with regard to the diaspora. We need to think about Western Australia. I do not want to pre-announce anything. A recommendation will come to me and we will take it from there. It might be interesting to come back to the committee and get members’ views on those choices. I would certainly welcome a broadening of perspective.” It will be interesting to see what recommendations do come back for consideration. About twelve months earlier another question was raised about building up the Irish government’s presence in Perth through one of its state agencies. Catherine Murphy, a Socialist TD for North Kildare, asked if Enterprise Ireland had plans to open a new office in Perth, WA. Tánaiste (Deputy PM) Leo Varadkar, who was also the minister for enterprise, trade and employment, said that idea had already been tried. “Enterprise Ireland (EI) has two physical presences in Australia. The agency’s headquarters is located
