Embassy spend falls 3% with saving of €1.6m

Government spending on embassies and consulate offices fell by almost 3% last year, achieving savings of €1.6m for the exchequer.

Figures published by the Department of Foreign Affairs show the overall cost of operating its 75 missions abroad fell from €57.5m in 2010 to €55.9m last year — a reduction of 2.8%.

Despite this, one in three of Ireland’s foreign missions recorded increases in expenditure last year.