Cost of running Ireland’s embassies and consulates abroad up 10.5% to €74.6m

The cost of running Ireland’s embassies and consulates abroad increased by 10.5% last year to €74.6m.

Provisional figures for 2015 published by the Department of Foreign Affairs show the operation of 73 foreign missions last year cost an extra €7m than in 2014.

The latest figures, which cover staff costs, office costs, building rental and maintenance and other overheads, show the cost of Ireland’s diplomatic services has risen sharply since 2011 when the bill for operating 75 missions was just €55.9m The total cost for 2015 is likely to be more than €75m as no figure was provided for expenditure on the Irish embassy in Lesotho.