“My Department has today brought forward the publication of all documentation on the appointment of a Special Envoy for Freedom of Opinion and Expression. The files show extensive consideration of the envoy position as well as a complete timeline ahead of tomorrow’s meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.
I am eager to go through all the documentation with the committee tomorrow morning and I will give a complete explanation of the timelines and decision-making process on bringing a recommendation to Government to establish this post. The significant detail set out in the files shows the extent of work that took place within different units of my Department.
I am sorry that this appointment has caused such controversy for the Government. I have apologised to the Taoiseach for the failings on my part in relation to this issue and I have no hesitation in doing so again.
Finally, a review of envoy positions is ongoing in the Department, however I agree with the Taoiseach’s call for all future appointments to be made by open public competition.”
Notes:
The relevant documentation can be found on the dfa.ie website here and via the below links:
- Note on Material regarding UN Special Envoy on Freedom of Expression
- Final Schedule of records in chronological order
- Publication of records relating to FOI requests between 28th July and 6th August in connection with Appointment of Special Envoy July 2021
- Replies to FOI Requests between 28th July and 6th August in connection with Appointment of Special Envoy July 2021
ENDS
Press Office
6 Sept 2021
