Guidelines for Diplomatic Missions

Agrément

In accordance with Article 4 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, agrément must be sought for any person it is proposed to accredit as head of a Diplomatic Mission to Ireland. Agrément is granted by the Government before the person concerned officially arrives in Ireland.

The request for agrément by the sending State is conveyed by means of a Third Party Note (TPN)/Note Verbale to the Department of Foreign Affairs.  It should be accompanied by a detailed biographical note of the person the sending State wishes to appoint.

A formal response to a request for agrément usually takes approximately six weeks.  Protocol will notify the sending State by Third Party Note of the Government’s decision with regard to the proposed appointment.    

Presentation of Credentials

Following the issue of the Third Party Note notifying the sending State of the Government’s approval of the appointment of the Ambassador-designate, the Embassy should contact Protocol to confirm the Ambassador-designate’s arrival date. Credentials ceremonies take place throughout the year and usually include three Ambassadors per ceremony, with priority given to resident Ambassadors.

Embassies should note the following:

• Letters of credence and recall should be addressed to:

          Mr. Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland;

• The name of the State is Ireland.  It is not possible to present letters which use the term “Republic of Ireland”.

Presentation of Working Copies of Letter of Credence

Within a few days of the arrival of the Ambassador-designate, an appointment is made by the Embassy for him/her to hand over the working copy of the letter of credence, together with a copy of the letter of recall of his/her predecessor (in the original language with English translation if required) to the Chief of Protocol.

Ambassadors-designate may perform limited official acts before the presentation of their credentials to the President. Once the working copies have been handed over, the Ambassador-designate is encouraged to call on officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs, including the Secretary General, the Head of the Lead Unit for their country as well as on the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps (the Apostolic Nuncio) and other Heads of Mission.

Ambassadors are requested not to host official functions (e.g. National Day receptions), call on Ministers or officials in other Government Departments or to engage in public diplomacy until credentials have been presented to the President.

Order of Precedence

In accordance with Article 13 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, precedence among Ambassadors is determined by the date and order in which they present their credentials to the President with the Apostolic Nuncio holding the position of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

Absences/Appointment of Chargé d’Affaires ad interim

As provided for in Article 19 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the absence or the return of the Head of Mission, and the appointment of a Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, should be notified to Protocol of the Department of Foreign Affairs by a Third Party Note. As per Article 19.1, in the case where a Chargé d’Affaires needs to be replaced by a subsequent Chargé d’Affaires, this notification should come from the Foreign Ministry rather than the Mission.

In addition, the Mission may wish to notify other diplomatic missions of such absences or appointments, in which case they are advised to send such messages directly rather than via the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Departures

As soon as the date of departure for a resident Ambassador is known, the Embassy should advise Protocol via Third Party Note (TPN) and include the date on which the Ambassador will complete his/her posting.

Embassies are asked to ensure that Department of Foreign Affairs ID cards for Ambassadors, their family members and private domestic employees are returned under cover of TPN and completed Notification of Departure form along with airport identity card if the Ambassador holds one.

Driving licences should be returned directly to the Diplomatic Licence Section, Road Safety Authority, Moyvalley Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

The Irish Government will consider a request for the appointment of an Honorary Consul in Ireland if it is satisfied that there is a need for the services provided by such officers.

A proposal to establish a consular post headed by an Honorary Consul should be submitted to Protocol under cover of Third Party Note (TPN). If the sending State does not have an Embassy accredited to Ireland, the request to establish a consular post should come from the Foreign Ministry of the sending State.

The person proposed for appointment as honorary consular officer should not himself/herself submit the application to the Department of Foreign Affairs. The request should contain a detailed curriculum vitae, details of the proposed class of post, the tasks to be undertaken as well as the seat and jurisdiction of the post.  

Nominee

The person proposed for appointment as Honorary Consul should be permanently resident in Ireland. The nomination of national or local authority office holders, public sector employees or politically active persons is not considered appropriate. 

Nominees should be of good character and have the capacity to maintain a good working relationship with the authorities in their consular district and with the authorities of the sending State. The processing of a new Honorary Consul application includes a security check on the applicant by An Garda Síochána (Irish Police).

The consent for the vetting of the proposed candidate will be obtained in advance from the nominee by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Vetting may take up to six months to complete.

It is not possible or appropriate for the candidate to directly enquire as to the progress of their application with the Department of Foreign Affairs or with ministers; all such queries must be routed to Protocol by the requesting Embassy.

Next steps

Once approval in principal has been granted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, their Consular Commission will be requested via Third Party note. This Commission should contain the name, rank and consular district of the officer to be appointed. If not in English, it should be accompanied by an Embassy translation.

Following receipt of the Consular Commission an Exequatur is prepared and signed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and forwarded to the Embassy.

The Honorary Consul-designate can only take up his/her duties on the date on which the Exequatur is received and shall not publicise their appointment, their offices or their activities until that has taken place.

Change to remit

A Consular Commission has to be issued in respect of each appointment. Accordingly, if an Honorary Consul is appointed to another post/region within Ireland, a fresh Consular Commission must be submitted for that appointment.

Similarly, a new Consular Commission is required if the Head of Post is promoted and the rank of the consular post is raised simultaneously. Consequently, any proposed amendment to the seat of the consular post, its classification or the consular district should be forwarded to Protocol.

Approved amendments will require the exchange of both amended Consular Commissions and Exequaturs.

If it is the practice in the appointing State that the term of the Honorary Consul is time-limited, it is the responsibility of the relevant Embassy to ensure that an updated Consular Commission is submitted to Protocol along with a request to continue the term of office ahead of the conclusion of the original term.

Conclusion of assignment

The functions of the Honorary Consul may come to an end upon notification by the sending State to the receiving State that the functions of the officer have been terminated. If the sending State wishes to replace him/her, a new proposal should be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Diplomatic List

Honorary Consuls’ names and contact details appear in the Diplomatic List maintained by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The list is published on the Department of Foreign Affairs website and is updated regularly. Any changes in status, address, contact details or other relevant data should be notified immediately to Protocol.

Diplomatic Missions should submit to Protocol as early as possible, but a minimum of at least four weeks ahead of the proposed arrival, the name of the officer whom it is proposed to appoint as a Defence Attaché in order to obtain approval from the relevant Irish authorities. The request should be made under cover of a Third Party Note (TPN) that includes the name and title of the proposed new appointee, together with a detailed curriculum vitae and photo as well as the name of the officer being replaced (if applicable).

These documents should be e-mailed to protocol@dfa.ie. Protocol will reply via Third Party Note if approval has been granted.

Once appointed an accredited Defence Attaché has permission to wear his or her uniform at official functions in Ireland. It is suggested that following his/her appointment, the Attaché should seek a call on the Defence Forces Chief of Staff or his/her representative via the Defence Attaché Liaison Officer (email: dalo@defenceforces.ie) .

Non-resident visa-required Defence Attachés are reminded to apply in good time to the relevant Irish Embassy for a visa prior to travel to Ireland. They will need to have received the Third Party Note from Protocol approving their appointment and to have ensured that they are included in an updated Third Party Note to the Department requesting their inclusion in the Department’s Diplomatic List prior to applying for the visa.

All correspondence and contact between Defence Attachés and the Defence Forces should be routed via the Defence Attaché Liaison Office (email: dalo@defenceforces.ie).

Procedures

Procedures relating to the Employment of Private Domestic Employees (or ‘private servant’ as per Article 1(h) of the VCDR) by accredited members of the Mission were issued by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in September 2014. An updated copy of these detailed procedures and of the associated Annex 1 form are available on the Department’s website, on the Foreign Embassies page. Prospective employers are advised to consult these detailed procedures closely.

Article 1(h) defines a private servant as “a person who is in the domestic service of a member of the mission and who is not an employee of the sending State”. Domestic staff employed directly by the mission are “members of the service staff” in accordance with Article 1(g) of the Convention.

Pertinent points

Only a Head of Mission can apply to bring a private domestic employee to Ireland. Other accredited members of Mission staff are not eligible to apply.

In principle, there is a limit of one private domestic employee per household. In exceptional circumstances, permission may be given for an additional private domestic employee.

Prospective employees must be over 21 years of age and must not be related to the employer or his/her spouse.  Only diplomats are eligible to employ a private domestic employee; Administrative and Technical Staff are not.

The employer must confirm in writing that they will comply with all relevant Irish employment law. Advice from an employment law expert should be sought should the employer have any queries in relation to their obligations under Irish employment law. 

The onus is on the Head of Mission, as employer, to ensure full compliance with Irish employment law at all times. Any allegation of a breach of employment law in respect of the employment of a Private Domestic Employee will be taken very seriously by the Department.

The Written Undertaking of Terms of Employment form (Annex 1) must be completed by the employer and agreed and signed by the employee.  This includes written confirmation by the employer that they have no objection to meeting with an Inspector from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to discuss the employment should the need arise. That they have no objection to the employee meeting with an Inspector from the WRC should the need arise and confirmation that they will provide employment records, including terms and conditions of employment, records of payment of wages, starting times, hours worked each week and leave granted to the employee for up to three years.

Information on employment rights is available on the website of the Workplace Relations Commission including a number of downloadable guides and publications in different languages.

Initial communication in all cases should be with the Department of Foreign Affairs via the local Irish Embassy (or Honorary Consulate) in the country where the applicant is residing. 

Applications should be made under cover of a Third Party Note (TPN) from the Head of Mission’s Foreign Ministry.The TPN should contain the following information:

• Full details of the employee, including name, address and date of birth;
• Confirmation that health and accident insurance for the employee has been arranged;
• Confirmation that the employee’s passport and visa will be in the sole possession of the employee;
• Confirmation that the employer will arrange to pay for the employee’s return travel to their country of permanent residence upon completion of their assignment or termination of the employment regardless of the reason the employment was terminated.

• Confirmation that the agreed undertaking has been made available to the employee in a language that s/he understands.

After the application has been submitted and approved provisionally by the Department, the relevant Irish Embassy will invite the applicant to the Embassy for interview. The private domestic employee may not be accompanied into the interview by their employer or a family member of the employer; if interpretation is required, the relevant Irish Embassy should be advised of same so that arrangements can be made.

Some points to be aware of when completing a Written Undertaking of Terms of Employment form (Annex 1) are as follows:

• Section 4: The actual address of the residence where the Private Domestic Employee will be employed should be stated here i.e. not the address of the Embassy unless this is the same as the Official Residence;
• Section 6: The current minimum hourly rate is €11.30 per hour;

• Section 7: The maximum number of hours is an average of 48 per week (including overtime) calculated over a four month period;
• Section 11(b): The number of days per year for paid sick leave should be stated here (Private Domestic Employees are entitled to a minimum of 3 days paid sick leave per annum); and

• Section 8: The hourly overtime rate must be equal to or more than the current minimum hourly rate;
• Section 11(a): The number of days per year allowed for annual leave should be stated (usually Private Domestic Employees would be allowed four weeks’ leave per year);

• Section 12: Agreed rest periods for each working day should be stated here. Employees are entitled to:
  • A daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours per 24 hour period
  • A weekly rest period of 24 consecutive hours per seven days, following a daily rest period
  • A 15-minute break where more than 4½ hours have been worked
  • A 30-minute break where more than 6 hours have been worked, which may include the first break
• Section 13: A minimum of one month’s notice is applicable to terminate the employment.

Definition of Family Member:

For the purposes of accreditation under the VCDR, the term “family member” is deemed by the Department to include the following:

• spouse or partner (same or opposite sex) (one only), provided that the sending state, via TPN or letter from its Foreign Ministry, confirms that it recognises that individual as a family member of the officer for the purposes of that officer’s assignment, and upon expectation of reciprocal treatment by the sending state where feasible; 
• an unmarried child under the age of 21 who lives with their parent(s) in Ireland; and;
• an unmarried child between the age of 21 and 25 who lives with their parent(s) in Ireland and is in full-time education in an Irish third-level educational institution. In such cases, proof of enrolment must be presented to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

In exceptional circumstances, other persons who are not members of some other household, who reside exclusively in the household of the accredited person and who are recognised by the sending state as members of the family forming part of the household, may, with the express prior approval of the Department of Foreign Affairs, be considered a “family member” for the purposes of accreditation under the Vienna Convention. In such exceptional cases, the sending state must make a formal request for consideration by the Department of Foreign Affairs and include full justification for the requested exception. Applications must be made under cover of Third Party Note by the relevant Foreign Ministry prior to the proposed arrival of the officer in Ireland. Where relevant, fully comprehensive private health insurance must be taken out in respect of such persons by the accredited person or the sending state

The use of the term “family member” is without prejudice to definitions of family for other purposes and which have an independent basis in international agreements or under Irish domestic law.

Ceasing to be a Member of the Officer’s Household

Missions are required to notify Protocol Division, in writing, if any person who had been accredited as a family member ceases to form part of the officer’s household or whose status changes – for example by leaving Ireland permanently, no longer being in a recognised relationship with the officer, cases of breakdown of relationships by separation or divorce or where a child turns 21 years of age. Such notification should be made without delay, but the absence of notification will not prevent the Irish authorities from making their own determination as to diplomatic status and immunity.

Under Article 42 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a diplomatic agent may not seek secondary employment or undertake professional or commercial activities outside their official functions for personal gain.

Accredited family members of privileged persons may seek employment in Ireland under certain circumstances:

• EU/EEA/Swiss/UK family members do not need a work permit and may seek employment in accordance with Articles 31 and 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
• A non-EU/EEA/Swiss national family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss privileged person may seek a Certificate of Exemption from Work Permit from Protocol Division.
• All other family members of non-EU/EEA/Swiss privileged persons who wish to seek employment in Ireland may only do so if a bilateral Working Dependants Agreement (WDA) is in place between Ireland and the country concerned. If a WDA is in place the accredited family member may seek a Certificate of Exemption from Work Permit from Protocol Division. The request should be submitted to Protocol Division by Third Party Note specifying the names of the accredited family member and the privileged person.
• Missions wishing to commence negotiations for the establishment of a Working Dependants Agreement between their country and Ireland should contact the relevant geographic lead unit for their Embassy in the first instance.

In accordance with Article 31 of the Vienna Convention, immunity from Irish civil and administrative jurisdiction will not apply in relation to any professional or commercial activity exercised in Ireland by accredited family members of privileged persons. 

Value-Added Tax (VAT) Concessions

The exemption from VAT (an indirect tax) is not specifically provided for under the Vienna Convention. Ireland provides exemption on the basis of the availability of satisfactory reciprocal arrangements for the Head of the relevant Irish diplomatic Mission, diplomatic agents and/or members of the Administrative and Technical Staff in the sending State.

The legislative basis is set out under  Statutory Instrument 334 of December 1996.

Relief will only be granted where the claimant is not a national of or permanently resident in Ireland and where the Minister for Foreign Affairs is satisfied that the claimant has respected the laws and regulations in operation in Ireland.

Please note all requests should be reasonable in quantity and approval of applications is at the discretion of Protocol.

Up to date information on relevant VAT rates is available on the Revenue Commissioners website.

Eligibility of Goods and Services for Exemption/Refund

Purchases, for which VAT concessions are applied, must be reasonable in quantity and clearly intended to cover the needs of the Mission, diplomatic staff and their families. VAT relief will apply to goods/services intended for the running of the official premises or household of the applicant or for use in the performance of official duties.

As per Statutory Instrument 334/96, VAT relief will apply to the general categories of “household goods (i.e. non-perishable goods related to the running of an Embassy or diplomatic/A&T agent’s private residence and used at the Embassy or residence”), “excisable goods”, and “business goods necessary for the performance of official duties”.

A list detailing goods and services eligible for exemption/refund is available from Protocol. Any questions in response to a specific good/service which may not be listed or in regard to applicable categories may be addressed to Protocol for clarification.

Making a Claim for Refund/Exemption

Applications submitted to the Department should be dated and a reference number (internal for the Embassy’s own record) for each application clearly marked on the form. 

There are four VAT refund/exemption forms and these are available on request from Protocol: 

(a)  DIP 1A: Prior Authorisation (white double sided form);

(b)  DIP 1B: Refund (yellow triplicate form);

(c)  DIP 1C: Release of Goods from Bonded Warehouse (pink triplicate form);

(d)  VAT & Excise Duty Exemption Certificate

(a) DIP 1A – Prior Authorisation

Description:   A prior authorisation form will allow a company to supply a specific good/service VAT-free. Relief from VAT at the point of sale by prior authorisation is available for goods/services costing €317 or more (including VAT). Goods/Services under this figure may be reclaimed afterwards on a DIP 1B form. The DIP 1A application is also used to obtain VAT-free utility bills i.e. Gas, Electricity.

How to apply: Applicants should submit three DIP 1A forms per application ensuring each form is endorsed with an original stamp and signature by the Head of Mission (HoM). The application should be accompanied by an original proforma invoice clearly showing the VAT to be exempted. 

This form is also to be used by an Embassy or HoM if they would like to apply for permanent relief on utility bills. The Embassy or HoM must indicate on the application what the utility is, where it is for (Chancery or Residence) and relevant address. A copy of the bill should be included with the application form and one application per account number is required (multiple accounts will not be accepted on a single application form).

Process:  Applications for advance exemption should be submitted to Protocol Division, Department of Foreign Affairs for processing as follows: 

• If an application is for the exemption of a utility invoice (e.g. electricity, telecommunication etc.) the application will then be forwarded by Protocol to the Revenue Commissioners who will deal directly with the supplier. This process can take up to eight weeks to be completed with the supplier.

• If an application is for other services or goods, the application will be forwarded by Protocol to the Revenue Commissioners for clearance and will be returned to the Embassy via Protocol Division. The DIP 1A takes approximately 5-10 working days to be returned from Revenue.

• Note:  The authorisation is valid for three months from the date of issue only.

(b) DIP 1B – Relief by Repayment

Description: The DIP 1B form allows Embassies/staff to obtain a refund of VAT on specific goods and services after the point of sale.

How to apply: Applicants should submit a DIP 1B triplicate form (yellow), with each copy stamped and signed by the Head of Mission. (Please note that as the form Dip 1B is in triplicate while the HOM signature on the first page will copy through, each copy of the form must be stamped individually.)  

Each application must be accompanied by a list of goods and services for which the applicant is requesting a refund. If claiming for more than one good or service, the appropriate worksheet MUST be completed. Revenue will return claims if the worksheet is not completed and attached to the DIP 1B form. Details should be provided of the good/service, the supplier, the total cost, the VAT amount and VAT rate.  

Applications in relation to goods eligible for both VAT and Excise refund (e.g. alcohol, tobacco or petrol) should be made on separate forms. Additional information should also be supplied on the itemised list in the case of petrol, specifying the litre quantities and for alcohol the bottle size and alcohol percentage. 

Applications should be accompanied by the original receipts and invoices which clearly show the amount of VAT paid on the goods/services.   Note:  this documentation will not be returned to the applicant.

Please note the DIP 1B forms are NOT AVAILABLE in electronic format.

Process:  Applications for reimbursement, with an item list and original documentation, should be submitted to Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs for processing. Protocol will then forward the applications to the Revenue Commissioners for approval and payment. Cheques are made payable to the specified applicant and will be forwarded directly from the Revenue Commissions to the Embassy or applicant. Embassies and officers can elect to be paid electronically if they so wish. If they choose this option, please forward a completed template form with the first claim. This option is only available if the account is in the EU. It can take up to six weeks for Revenue to process claims.

(c)  DIP 1C – Release of goods from a Bonded Warehouse

Description: The DIP 1C form facilitates Embassies / qualified staff in purchasing goods liable to VAT and Excise Duty, such as Alcohol and Tobacco, from Bonded Warehouses. 

How to apply: Applicants should submit DIP 1C triplicate form (pink), with each copy stamped and signed by the HoM. (Please note that as the form Dip 1C is in triplicate and the HoM signature on the first page will copy through, each copy of the form must be stamped individually.) 

Each application must be accompanied by a list of goods for which the applicant is requesting exemption. The details can be entered on the box provided on the form or on a separate A4 sheet, citing the application reference.

Details should include the description, the quantity per packet/case, and the quantity being ordered (e.g. beer – 4/6 x 440ml – two cases). If submitting a list of goods/services on an A4 sheet separate to the DIP 1C, three copies of the list are required.

Note: requests should be reasonable in quantity and approval of applications is at the discretion of Protocol.

Please note the DIP 1C forms are NOT AVAILABLE in electronic format.                                                                                  

Process: DIP 1C forms and any attached lists should be submitted to Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs for processing.  Once processed they will be forwarded directly to the relevant supplier. The Embassy may then liaise with the company to arrange collection or delivery.

(d) VAT & Excise Duty Exemption Certificate

Description: A Mission or qualifying officers may purchase and import goods customs and excise-free from another country. The goods may also be imported VAT free if they comply with the conditions applicable to VAT exemption in Ireland and appear on the list of goods and services eligible for a VAT refund, and providing reciprocal arrangements are in place.

How to apply: Applicants should submit a TPN accompanied by a pro-forma invoice from the supplier. If the invoice is not in English, it should be translated by the supplier and not a local translation from the Embassy. The application can be either scanned or posted to Protocol.

Process: A submitted form will be assessed by Protocol in line with the Vienna Convention and Ireland’s VAT Statutory Instrument 334/96. Once cleared by Protocol, the application is sent to the Revenue Commissioners. It takes approximately 3-5 working days for Revenue to issue the Certificate. The Certificate is sent to Protocol and Protocol will contact the applicant when it is ready for collection. The Certificate is then passed to the supplier by the applicant and the supplier then exempts the VAT.

Release from Customs (Personal effects and items purchased for official use of Mission)

Article 36 of the Vienna Convention provides for the exemption of customs duty on the import into Ireland of articles, purchased for the official use of the mission or for the personal use of a diplomatic agent. Mission personnel are entitled to import their personal belongings with exemption from taxes.

The officer must, however, have arrived in the country and have been officially notified to the Department under Article 10 before any requests can be processed. 

In order to have the goods released, please submit an Embassy note to Protocol giving details of the goods and the officer who is applying. The note should be accompanied with a copy of the Bill of Lading and Container Number if applying for clearance from sea or the Airway Bill if goods are arriving by air.

Protocol will issue a letter of clearance to the applicant or mission. The original must be presented to customs officials.  Custom officials will also require an original TPN from the Embassy on headed note paper.

Release from Customs (Diplomatic Pouches and Diplomatic Mail)

For the clearance of Diplomatic Pouches and Diplomatic Mail, the Revenue Commissioners have requested that all Missions should complete a separate Customs Clearance Form (which Revenue call a DIP 1 form), which should be completed on Embassy headed paper for each delivery and should be submitted to the shipping company or logistics company being used by the Mission.  A copy of this form is available from the Protocol Division.

Missions are advised that this process for customs clearance of diplomatic pouches/diplomatic mail should not be confused with the requirement to apply to Protocol for a letter of clearance when personal or mission goods are being imported.

Carbon Tax

In 2010 a carbon tax was introduced in Ireland. The carbon tax applies to kerosene, marked gas oil, liquid petroleum gas, fuel oil, natural gas and solid fuels.

Carbon Tax is eligible for a tax refund. Claims for repayment of duty paid in the State can be made on the Dip 1B form (please see above). Please make separate applications when claiming back carbon tax; applications should be accompanied by original invoices showing proof of payment.

Public Service Obligation Levy (PSO Levy)

The PSO levy has been in place since 2001 and the associated  levy funds support mechanisms for two very important objectives: firstly, it supports the development of renewable electricity, which is important for security of supply, for reducing carbon emissions from electricity generation and is a necessary policy support to enable Ireland to reach legally binding renewable electricity targets; secondly, it supports electricity generation which was constructed for security of supply purposes, including peat generation.

The PSO levy is a charge on all electricity customers without exception, so therefore, it is not eligible for a tax refund.

Purchase/Import

Diplomatic Missions and eligible officers accredited to Ireland are exempt from payment of tax on new vehicles imported and purchases of new vehicles on the basis of/in accordance with Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 59 of 1993 and S.I. 334 of 1996, subject to a satisfactory level of reciprocal relief for corresponding personnel representing Ireland in the sending State. 

Exemption is granted under S.I. 59/1993 and S.I. 334/1996 from the following:

(a) Value Added Tax (VAT)

(b) Vehicles Registration Tax (VRT)

(c) Common Customs Tariff (CCT)

Purchase/import entitlements:

A Diplomatic Mission or eligible officers may purchase/import vehicles with exemption, provided a satisfactory level of reciprocity has been met.

• An unaccompanied diplomat is entitled to purchase/import one personal vehicle with exemption. One replacement vehicle may be considered only where the initial vehicle purchased with exemption is subsequently sold, by approval, in line with our regulations (including required timeframe of two years for ownership). Note: This replacement vehicle cannot be sold tax-free in Ireland at any stage regardless of how long the vehicle has been held.

• An accompanied diplomat (once spouse notified to the Department) is entitled to purchase/import two vehicles with exemption. One replacement vehicle may be considered only where one of the initial vehicles purchased with exemption is subsequently sold, by approval, in line with our regulations (including required timeframe of two years for ownership). Note: This replacement vehicle cannot be sold tax-free in Ireland at any stage.

• An Administrative & Technical member of staff on posting is entitled to purchase one vehicle only, if accompanied or not. The purchase/import must take place within the first six months of taking up the posting.

• A Diplomatic Mission is entitled to purchase one vehicle. Applications for an additional vehicle will be considered on a case by case basis by the Department once a business case for the additional vehicle has been submitted and accepted.

Purchase of a new motor vehicle in Ireland with exemption

How to apply: To purchase a vehicle in Ireland with exemption from taxes a Diplomatic Mission/ eligible officer must submit a completed DIP 2 application form prior to purchasing the vehicle. A privileged person must be officially notified to Protocol Division as having arrived and taken up duty before an application can be considered. The DIP 2 form should be accompanied by a TPN from the Embassy requesting purchase with exemption and an invoice from the vendor/relevant garage.

Process: Where purchase with exemption has been agreed, the DIP 2 form will be forwarded to the relevant Revenue office for processing. Revenue will issue a letter directly to the applicant after 5-10 working days. Please consider what address the letter should be forwarded to. In the case of a new vehicle, this letter should be passed to the car dealer/vendor who will not charge the VAT on the vehicle and will arrange to have the vehicle registered without payment of VRT. If the vehicle is imported, the applicant should make an appointment with the relevant NCT office to have the vehicle registered without payment of tax.

When the vehicle has been registered, a Vehicle Registration Certificate will automatically be generated and will be sent directly to the Diplomatic Mission/eligible officer within a month of registration by the Vehicle Registration Office. Motor tax discs cannot be obtained until receipt of this registration certificate. 

Note: Once the letter of exemption has been received, the Diplomatic Mission/eligible officer should take steps to ensure that the vehicle is registered immediately. This can have an impact on the two year time frame in place for the disposal of the vehicle.

Purchase of a second-hand or used motor vehicle with exemption

The purchase of second-hand or used motor vehicles by officers or missions do not come through this Department as the VRT has already been paid. In certain cases, VAT is due on second-hand or used vehicles if purchased from a vehicle vendor. If this is the case and the VAT can be displayed on an invoice, please submit the paperwork as described above.

Purchasing a motor vehicle from a privileged individual

Privileged persons may purchase a vehicle with exemption from another privileged person as long as s/he has the entitlement to purchase and the seller has the entitlement to sell (e.g. reciprocity, previous applications, replacement vehicle etc.). 

How to apply:The purchaser (privileged person) should submit a DIP 2 application form accompanied by a Third Party Note requesting permission for a tax-free purchase and indicating the privileged person from whom the officer proposes purchasing the vehicle. At the same time the privileged person selling the vehicle must complete and forward a DIP 2A form along with a TPN requesting the sale of the vehicle tax-free and indicating the name and contact details of the privileged person to whom they propose selling the vehicle. 

The Vehicle Registration Certificate does not need to be submitted with the applications, as the diplomatic stipulation remains on the Cert. 

Process:  The applications will be dealt with concurrently. Once approved, a letter of exemption will be issued to the new owners (please consider what address this should be sent to) and the DIP2A will be returned to Protocol Division for the onward transmission to the seller of the vehicle. These transactions take 4-6 weeks to be completed. Once the paperwork has been processed, the Change of Ownership section can then be completed on the Vehicle Registration Certificate and sent to the Central Vehicle Office.

Purchasing a motor cycle under privilege

The process for purchasing a motor cycle under privilege is the same as for a car.  The purchase will count as one of the officer’s entitlements to purchase a vehicle with exemption.

Importing vehicles into Ireland with exemption

If a vehicle is purchased abroad, it may be imported into Ireland without payment of registration tax. If the VAT owed is non-Irish, please check with the car vendor in the country of purchase whether an exemption from the Irish authorities will cover the VAT exemption, as this is the only way the VAT can be recouped. VAT in another country cannot be refunded at a later stage. Imported vehicles can be driven in Ireland for one month only and then the vehicle is required to be registered with Irish plates.

As of 1^st January 2020, the NTFSO (The National TransFrontier Shipment Office), Dublin City Council has advised the Department that any vehicles being imported from abroad on a shipment container will be required to produce the necessary testing certificate/proof of roadworthiness of the vehicle.  Copies of these documents should be presented to the shipping company to be included with the Bill of Lading for the shipment container.

How to apply: To import a vehicle into Ireland, with exemption from taxes, an eligible officer/Diplomatic Mission must submit a completed DIP 2 application form in advance of the arrival of the vehicle in Ireland. A privileged person must be officially notified to Protocol as having arrived and taken up duty before an application can be considered. The DIP 2 form should be accompanied by a TPN from the Diplomatic Mission requesting import with exemption, accompanied by any copies of official documentation for the vehicle (i.e. log book).

Process: The application submitted will be considered in Protocol based on current regulations and reciprocity. If importation with exemption is approved, it will be forwarded to the relevant Revenue office for processing. Revenue will issue a letter to the applicant directly after 5-10 working days. Please consider what address the letter should be forwarded to. The applicant should then make an appointment with the local NCT office to have the vehicle registered.

When the vehicle has been registered, a Vehicle Registration Certificate will automatically be generated and will be sent directly to the Diplomatic Mission/ eligible officer within a month of registration by the Vehicle Registration Office. Motor tax discs cannot be obtained until receipt of this registration certificate.

Note: Once the letter of exemption has been received, the Diplomatic Mission/eligible officer should take steps to ensure that the vehicle is registered immediately. This can have an impact on the two-year time frame in place for the disposal of the vehicle.

Number plates

On presentation of the letter of exemption (either by the car vendor or by the officer themselves) a vehicle will be issued an Irish Registration Number. Irish legislation does not currently provide for a system of ‘CD’ plates.  

Disposal of motor vehicles purchased under diplomatic privilege

The Vehicle Registration Certificate of a vehicle purchased with exemption will indicate that the vehicle cannot be sold without the permission of the Revenue Commissioners (please refer to section B on the Vehicle Registration Certificate to ascertain the date of registration of vehicle). Provided a satisfactory level of reciprocity has been met, the following are the entitlements for sale of a vehicle purchased with exemption by a Diplomatic Mission or eligible member of staff on posting:

Personal Vehicles: A Diplomat or Administrative & Technical member of staff may sell a vehicle tax-free on the open market once the vehicle has been in their possession a minimum of two years since registration. Note: Replacement vehicles cannot be sold tax-free in Ireland at any stage regardless of how long the vehicle has been held.

Official Vehicles: AMission may sell a vehicle tax-free on the open market once the vehicle has been in its possession for three years since registration.

Sale of a vehicle purchased under exemption

How to apply: To apply to sell a vehicle in Ireland which was purchased with exemption from taxes an eligible officer/Diplomatic Mission must submit a completed DIP 2A application form. The DIP 2A form should be accompanied by a TPN from the Diplomatic Mission requesting sale with exemption and the original Vehicle Registration Certificate.

Process: The application will be considered by Protocol based on current regulations and reciprocity. Once approved, the paperwork is sent to the relevant Revenue Office for processing.

The Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) is forwarded to a separate Revenue Office to have the diplomatic stipulation removed (please refer to the “Notes” on the Vehicle Registration Certificate). The VRC is forwarded to the Central Vehicle Office and is re-issued to the applicant directly. This process can take up to two weeks to be completed.  Both documents (the DIP 2A and the new VRC) then may be passed to the new owner. Please ensure copies are made for both parties to retain.

Payment of Taxes

In the case of an application for sale with taxes, the Vehicle Registration Office will assess the amount of taxes liable to be paid. The assessment will take into account the value of the vehicle at the time of sale, its initial registration etc. In order for Revenue to calculate the taxes due (VAT and VRT), please submit in writing the request, along with the officer’s name and registration number of the vehicle in question. Please also submit the current mileage of the vehicle.

When taxes have been assessed and advised by the VRO, payment should be made using two separate cheques/drafts (one for VAT and one for VRT made payable to the “Revenue Commissioners”. The cheques should be accompanied by a DIP 2A form and the original Vehicle Registration Certificate. 

Selling a motor vehicle to a privileged individual

Privileged persons may sell a vehicle without taxes to another privileged person as long as s/he has the entitlement to sell and the other person the entitlement to purchase. Please note that the purchase of this vehicle will count as one of the exempt vehicles. When the two-year time frame (between both owners) has been reached, the vehicle may be sold tax free on the open market.

How to apply: The seller should submit a DIP 2A application form accompanied by a Third Party Note requesting permission for a tax-free sale and indicating the name and contact details of the privileged person to whom the officer proposes selling the vehicle. At the same time the privileged person purchasing the vehicle must a DIP 2 form along with a TPN requesting the purchase of the vehicle tax-free and indicating the name and contact details of the privileged person from whom they propose buying the vehicle. There is no need to submit the Vehicle Registration Certificate, as the diplomatic stipulation will remain on the vehicle. 

Process: The applications will be dealt with concurrently. When the paperwork has been cleared by Revenue, the Change of Ownership section of the VRC should be completed and sent to the Central Vehicle Office.

Early Sale of a vehicle purchased under exemption

The sale of a vehicle tax-free outside the regulations listed above will only be considered in very exceptional circumstances (e.g. transfer home/abroad for medical reasons, death or exceptional circumstances). If an application is accepted under exceptional circumstances only one vehicle may be sold tax-free (i.e. if a family has two vehicles the other will be liable for taxes). 

Export of motor vehicles purchased under privilege

An eligible officer may export his/her vehicle abroad on departure from the country without payment of taxes, provided a satisfactory level of reciprocity is met:

How to apply: A Diplomatic Mission/eligible officer must complete a DIP 2A application form. A Third Party Note of request must also accompany the application for export. There is no need to submit the Vehicle Registration Certificate.

Process: Protocol will process the application and send to Revenue for clearance. In 3-5 working days, the DIP 2A form is sent back to Protocol and the applicant will be informed. This document should be held as proof of the discharge of taxes in Ireland as it may be required in the officer’s home country or in a third country in order to register the vehicle. Based on reciprocity, once the vehicle has been registered in Ireland and has a licence plate, it is free to be exported at any time.

Scrapping a motor vehicle purchased under privilege

If a satisfactory level of reciprocity is met, the Mission or an individual can apply to have a vehicle scrapped or disposed of. Owners of vehicles which are deemed ‘end of life’ must have the vehicles disposed of at a licenced, authorised treatment facility (ATF). They will supply a certificate of destruction, which must be submitted with the DIP 2A form. Please also supply a TPN with the application.

Leasing of Vehicles

Missions and privileged officers are exempted from VAT and VRT on the leasing of a vehicle. 

Staff who are members of diplomatic missions and relevant accredited members of missions, including qualified family members, may apply for an Irish diplomatic driving licence.  

General information on diplomatic driving licences, including how to apply, and how to renew or replace an Irish diplomatic driving licence is available on the website of the Road Safety Authority.

General information on the education system in Ireland can be found here.The Department of Education also publishes a guide to the Irish education system for parents on its website, which can be found here.  

Information on Leaving Certificate foreign language subjects and non-curricular EU language subjects is available here.

There are a number of international schools in Dublin, which teach pupils according to the German, French or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.

The following non-exhaustive list of International Schools is provided for the information of Missions:

Lycée Francais International Samuel Beckett

St. Killian’s Deutsche Schule Dublin

SEK International School

International School of Dublin

Protocol Division is not in a position to recommend specific schools or courses of study nor can it assist in securing school or course places for family members of Mission staff.

All enquiries related to the admission policies and tuition fees of specific educational institutions should be addressed directly to the institution in question.

Please note that where a family member of a member of Mission staff from a country outside the European Union, UK or Switzerland wishes to remain in Ireland to continue or complete their course of studies following the completion or termination of the staff member’s assignment, Protocol Division must be informed in the first instance.

A PPSN is the unique customer reference number for transactions between individuals and Government Departments and other public service providers.  Services for which the PPSN may apply to members of diplomatic Missions include:

• Pupil ID – to enrol children in primary and secondary schools
• Registering a birth in Ireland – at least one of the parents must have registered for and been allocated a PPSN.  It may not be possible to register the birth otherwise
• Public Health – to attend health clinics and hospitals
• Child immunisation
• Driver theory testing and driver licences – in particular, applying for provisional driving licences
• Opening a bank account
• Applying for a Finance Package through a vehicle dealership in order to purchase a vehicle

You can apply for a PPS Number online. In order to do so you will first need to create a basic MyGovID account.

Once you have created your MyGovID account you can then proceed to apply for PPS number using the online portal.

You will need to upload photos or scanned copies of:

• your identity document
• your proof of address, and
• evidence of why you need a PPS Number

Where diplomatic Missions wish to establish polling stations on their premises or elsewhere to accommodate their Ireland-based nationals who wish to vote in elections taking place in their home country, they must inform Protocol Division in advance.

Missions should submit a request to Protocol Division (Protocol@dfa.ie) by means of a Third Party Note providing the following information:

• Venue(s) at which they wish to establish the polling station(s);
• The date of the elections;
• The date and times on which they intend to open the polling station(s);
• The number of people expected to vote, if known.

Protocol will notify the relevant Irish authorities and inform the relevant security authorities of the date, venue and opening hours of the polling station. If a Mission has any particular security concerns, they should make this known to Protocol when requesting permission to open a polling station.

Missions should allow at least three weeks for such a request to be processed. Protocol will confirm the response of the relevant Irish authorities by means of a Third Party Note.

Security issues

Should any Mission have an immediate security concern, they should contact their local Garda station in the first instance. Missions can also contact Protocol with details of any security issues arising and Protocol will in turn liaise with the relevant authorities.

Recommended security measures

Missions are advised to take all prudent steps themselves to ensure that their Chanceries and Residences are secure and adequately protected. Consideration should be given to the appropriate level of security in relation to perimeter security, entry controls, close circuit television cameras, intruder and duress alarms.

Missions can request, via Protocol, a security review of Chanceries and Residences by An Garda Síochána. In assessing their security needs and where Missions are contemplating any physical alterations to diplomatic premises, Missions will need to check whether planning permission is required. Information on the procedures to apply for planning permission is available from the relevant local authority, usually either Dublin City Council (www.dublincity.ie) or Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (www.dlrcoco.ie). The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises all Missions to secure the advice of a local solicitor where it is intended to apply for planning permission.

Responding to Emergencies and Incidents

Missions should, in the first instance, be familiar with the location and contact details of their local Garda Station. In an emergency, 112 or 999 are the Emergency Numbers for An Garda Síochána, the Fire Brigade and the Ambulance Service. The caller should always ensure to give the name of their Mission, the exact location of the premises together with telephone contact details to these services when they contact them.

In case of emergencies outside of office hours where it is necessary to make contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Missions are advised to contact the Duty Officer at the Department via the Department’s main telephone number, (01) 408 2000.

The following is a general guide on procedures where incidents of a security nature occur at Missions or to members of Mission staff.

• Where an incident is of serious concern or warrants immediate attention, regardless of what time it occurs, the Mission should contact An Garda Síochána using the Emergency Numbers 112 or 999. Missions should ensure An Garda Síochána is aware that the security incident involves a diplomatic mission.
• Missions are advised to inform Protocol Division, in writing and without delay, of security incidents of concern to them. Protocol Division will alert the relevant authorities promptly. When notifying Protocol Division of incidents, Missions should provide information on the nature of the threat or incident, the source of the information or the means by which the threat was conveyed, and the name and mobile telephone number for the appropriate contact person at the Mission, together with any other relevant details. Protocol Division will liaise with the relevant authorities and inform the Mission of the advice/response received from those authorities.

Specific occasion where additional security assistance may be required from the relevant authorities 

Missions are advised to inform Protocol Division of the following and similar events in writing as soon as possible, indicating the date and time and location of event and estimated number of guests attending where applicable:

• When a Mission is  hosting a large official event, at which the numbers in attendance may disrupt local vehicular traffic;
• When a Mission is  hosting an official event and considers that Garda assistance is required with security outside the venue;
• When a Mission becomes aware that a protest is scheduled to take place which is directed at that Mission.  It should be noted that the rights of freedom of expression and to peaceful political protests are recognised in Ireland and advance notice or permission does not need to be given or sought ahead of such a protest. 

On receipt of such notifications, Protocol Division will inform the relevant authorities to ensure that consideration is given to the appropriate level of Garda attention, whether that be dedicated patrols or passing attention. 

Opening a Resident Diplomatic Mission

The establishment of a resident diplomatic Mission in Dublin requires the prior approval of the Irish Government.

When a country wishes to establish a resident diplomatic Mission, a Third Party Note (TPN) should be sent to the Protocol Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs, detailing the reasons for opening a Mission, its intended main functions and activities, proposed timing for opening and indication of the number and level of staff to be assigned.

Once approved by the Irish Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs will reply to the sending State by TPN.

The sending State should then send a TPN to Protocol Division nominating its proposed Head of Mission and seeking the Irish Government’s approval (agrément) to the nominee’s appointment. For further information on procedures around the appointment of the Head of Mission, please refer to Heads of Mission section above.

Locating premises

Subject to the normal regulations governing property ownership/rental, missions are free to locate and acquire property of their choice. It is up to Missions to identify suitable premises for a chancery, official residence and other staff accommodation.

Local real estate companies are able to provide guidance on the purchase or lease of property. Missions should consult a reputable legal firm to advise on current regulations and to assist with the transfer of ownership or in matters pertaining to leasing of property.

Once a property has been obtained, formal notification should be sent to the Protocol Division with full address and contact details of the mission. These details are required for, among other things, publication in the Diplomatic List.

Protocol Division will notify An Garda Síochána of the establishment of a new diplomatic Mission. Missions can request, via Protocol, a security review of chanceries and residences by An Garda Síochána. For further information, please refer to Protective Security section above.

Opening of New Offices

Under Article 12 of the Vienna Convention, diplomatic Missions are required to notify the Department of Foreign Affairs of their intention to establish offices forming part of the Mission in locations other than those in which the Mission itself is established. The consent of the Department must be obtained in advance. 

Planning                                                                    

Advice on the procedures relating to Planning and Development matters is available on the website of the relevant Local Authority - usually either Dublin City Council (www.dublincity.ie) or Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (www.dlrcoco.ie) or by emailing Dublin City Council (planning@dublincity.ie) or Dun Laoghiare-Rathdown County Council (planning@dlrcoco.ie) directly. It should be noted that diplomatic Missions are not exempt from obtaining the necessary permission under the Planning Acts and Regulations, including permission for the erection of a flagpole. Councils are aware of the right of a Mission and its head to use the flag and emblem of the sending State on the premises of the Mission, including the residence of the Head of Mission.

Missions are advised to liaise with the local authority if the residential component of a Mission becomes subordinate to the office/trade component, as a change of use permission may be required.

Missions intending to carry out construction work, alterations or additions to their building structures for security, communications or for any other purpose, should liaise with the relevant Local Authority to clarify whether planning permission or other certification is required. Where the Local Authority confirms that planning permission is required, Missions should advise Protocol of the proposed work under cover of Third Party Note.

Missions are strongly encouraged to seek relevant professional advice, including from a registered architect or structural engineer, or a conservation architect in the case of a protected structure, and should obtain all necessary authorisations in advance of commencing the proposed work.

Missions should be aware that all documents which are submitted in association with a planning application become public documents. Should any part of a diplomatic Mission’s premises be particularly sensitive from a security point of view, and a declaration to this effect is being sought, the Planning Authority should be notified by separate letter.

Protected Structures

Many buildings in Dublin, including those usually considered suitable accommodation for diplomatic Missions, are Protected Structures under the Planning Acts and are, therefore, subject to more stringent planning controls than buildings which do not have such status.   

Where a building is a Protected Structure, the protection applies to every part of the building, including internal wall surfaces and joinery.   Internal painting and decorating would normally be exempt although there are special cases where the protection may also extend to painting and decorating. Other works which would normally be exempt (internal and external), including repair works and alterations, may also require planning permission.  Buildings and other structures within the curtilage of the main building, including outbuildings, boundary walls and gates and gate piers are also deemed to be Protected Structures.

Where diplomatic Missions occupy a Protected Structure and wish to carry out refurbishment works, they are advised to obtain a Section 57 Declaration from the Planning Authority as to what works require planning permission.   It normally takes a minimum of two to three months to obtain the Declaration and there is no fee involved.

Missions should be aware that where Declarations are requested in respect of Protected Structures,  each building is recorded internally and externally in order to prepare the Declaration. Recording involves a written and photographic survey and while such records are treated as confidential the Declaration itself is a public document. Furthermore, under the Freedom of Information Act, a Local Authority may be obliged to disclose any document in their possession.

For once off, minor works including repair works or alterations, the Mission may seek a Section 5 Declaration. This determines whether the proposed works are exempt from the need to seek planning permission. This application normally takes four weeks and there is a fee of €80. The documentation submitted with the Section 5 application is placed on the public file.

Information on Heritage Guidelines and regulations on Protected Structures is available at www.dublincitycouncil.ie 

Purchase of Property                                              

Diplomatic Missions may purchase or build premises for use as offices or residential premises, subject to the requirements of Irish law. In the case of purchasing or leasing an existing premises, the Mission should liaise with the local authority to determine if planning permission is required for a change of use from the established use  to Diplomatic Mission.  Diplomatic Missions are advised to seek the advice of a solicitor who is knowledgeable about local planning policy and regulations.   Missions must comply with local planning policy and regulations as referred to above.

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is applicable on the purchase and lease of property in Ireland. In the case of leased property, stamp duty is applicable on property with an annual rent of over €40,000 a year. Please refer to the website of the Revenue Commissioners for further details.

Exemption from Stamp Duty only applies in cases where there is a reciprocal arrangement for Irish Diplomatic Missions. In order to apply for exemption, the Department must be notified by the particular Embassy/Mission that the building in question will be used as a Mission property or diplomatic property and must request an exemption from stamp duty. 

Once Protocol is satisfied that the relevant criteria have been met, the Department issues a certificate of exemption to the Embassy or diplomat.  They in turn (or their solicitor) files a return with the Revenue Commissioners.

If reciprocity is established and the Mission/Officer is informed that they are eligible for Stamp Duty exemption the Mission should forward the following to Protocol Division:

• A Third Party Note, or a letter from the Mission’s solicitor, providing the name of the occupier of the premises and stating whether it is the Chancery or the Residence of a member of staff of the mission.
• If the building is the Residence of a member of staff, their name and staff category should be included in the TPN, accompanied by the original lease and one photocopy

Once all information requested has been provided and found to be in order, a TPN will be issued to the Mission, or letter sent to the solicitor, along with a certificate of stamp duty exemption. The original lease will be returned.

The Mission or solicitor will be required to file a return with the Revenue Commissioners.  In order to do so, they will need to post a copy of the lease, accompanied by the certificate of exemption, to the National Stamp Duty Office, Office of the Revenue Commissioners, 14/15 O’Connell Street, Dublin 2. 

Revenue will then supply a Tax Reference Number for the applicant.  This reference number is solely for the use of the Stamp duty Exemption and is required to complete the Revenue on-line process.

Role of Protocol Division on high-level visits and hospitality

Protocol Division – Protocol I (its visits, conference and official hospitality section) - looks after the arrangements for State and Official visits to Ireland by Heads of State, Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers.

Arrangements for all other visiting dignitaries are made by the host Department or host Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs, while arrangements for working, private or transit visits should be made by the Mission, with assistance/advice as appropriate from Protocol Division.

State and Official Visits

Protocol Division has overall responsibility for the preparation and running of State and Official visits to Ireland.  It draws up the programme and makes the necessary arrangements for transport, accommodation and security in close consultation with the relevant Mission and the relevant Irish stakeholders.

State Visits to Ireland typically last two or three days, with some engagements outside of Dublin. State visits do not take place during the weekend and no official engagements can be arranged for Saturdays or Sundays. Official Visits can be shorter and do not necessarily include ceremonial elements.

It is important to establish contact with Protocol Division well in advance of any proposed visit so all involved agencies have enough time to make the appropriate arrangements.

The Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine is the relevant Irish authority that administers the arrangements for importation of pets into Ireland.

Further information on the requirements your pet must meet to enter Ireland can be found here.

Television Licences

Diplomatic and Administrative and Technical members of staff of diplomatic Missions are exempt from payment of television licence fees.

An Post administers television licences in Ireland. When a notification for payment of a television licence is received by an officer, it should be forwarded to Protocol accompanied by a Third Party Note requesting the exemption.  Protocol will apply to the relevant Irish authorities for an exemption on behalf of the officer.

Missions should note that no actual licence is issued to the officer.   Instead, the address of the premises is noted by An Post on its data base as being exempted from requiring a television licence.

Other Licences

Diplomatic and Administrative and Technical staff members of Missions who wish to apply for exemption from other licences, e.g. fishing or dog licences, should notify Protocol by Third Party Note providing the relevant details.   Protocol will follow-up on these requests on behalf of the members of staff of Missions.

EU lanes

Following their first arrival in Ireland and successful application for DFA ID cards, members of the resident Diplomatic Corps, travelling on diplomatic passports, can use the EU/EEA/Swiss channel at passport control on arrival in Dublin Airport. Please have a valid DFA ID card ready for production to immigration (Border Management Unit) officers. 

Airport Identification Cards

The ID Centre of the daa (Dublin Airport Authority) is responsible for the issuing of Airport Identification Cards (AICs) to eligible staff of diplomatic missions, for the performance of official duties at Dublin Airport. Each diplomatic mission can apply for a maximum of three AICs, which are nominative and non-transferable. Only accredited members of staff of a diplomatic mission may apply for an ID card. Locally recruited members of staff are not eligible to apply.

The card must be visibly worn (i.e. outside of clothing and above waist height) by the holder at all times whilst in the airside areas of Dublin Airport. The period of validity for AICs is decided by the ID Centre. AICs are usually issued for a period of up to two and a half years but the validity cannot exceed the validity date of the staff member’s official ID card issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs.  

Eligible staff of diplomatic missions are issued with green coloured AICs, with which they have buildings-only access, with access within buildings restricted according to operational need and permissions provided. Please note that Embassy staff are not approved to access the Ramp area using a Green AIC.

AICs provide holders with unaccompanied access to routes designated by the airport operator consistent with the operational need. For arrivals at Dublin airport, the designated route will extend to the Immigration Booths in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and no further. These areas may be accessed via the staff screening entrance in the Arrivals and/or Departures areas.

High-level visitors who are departing from Dublin airport must go through standard passenger channels (or Platinum Services). Persons departing on flights from the airport cannot be escorted through staff entry positions by members of the missions who hold valid AICs.

Members of the Mission who hold valid AICs must enter the airside area via one of the staff entry positions. Members of the mission cannot go via the passenger channels of security with high-level visitors. Only persons with flight boarding passes are permitted to enter the departures area via the main passenger security screening checkpoint. Members of the Mission with an AIC can meet high-level visitors at the other side of the security screening in the Departures Area and then accompany them to the Departure Gate area provided there is an operational need.

Any breach of these terms, and any use of the AIC for personal or other non-official purposes, may lead to the AIC being revoked.

Temporary Escorted Passes

Temporary Escorted Passes, usually valid for one day, are issued by the ID Centre only in exceptional circumstances as the Official will require an airport police escort if they have been provided with a temporary Escorted Pass. Diplomatic Missions requiring a temporary Escorted Pass should contact Protocol@dfa.ie for further details. A minimum of 3 working days’ notice is required.

Security Awareness Training

All AIC applicants shall successfully complete Security Awareness Training before their applications may be approved. This requirement is in line with Chapters 1 and Chapter 11 of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) as well as EU Regulations (EC) No. 300/2008 on common rules in the field of civil aviation security and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998, as amended, which lays down detailed measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security.

Basic Security Awareness courses are provided online by the IAA-approved training company (www.butterfly-training.ie). Charges apply for these courses (currently 30 euro).

Application procedure for accredited Embassy staff

Accredited Diplomatic or Administrative & Technical Staff (only) should complete the ID6 form and send the completed form accompanied by

• a Third Party Note;
• a copy of the certificate issued on successful completion of the Security Awareness Training course; and
• a copy of the official ID card issued by the Department

to Protocol Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, for onward transmission to the ID Centre. Protocol Division will contact the Embassy to inform the Embassy when an AIC is ready for collection. The AIC is a photographic ID card, and as such must be collected in person by the applicant at the ID Centre, which is located beside the Airport Police Station at the Arrivals Road, Terminal 1. The ID Centre is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank and public holidays. It is important that cards are collected without undue delay.

Please note that all AICs are issued with a PIN, which is required when using the card. When collecting the card, the holder will be asked to select a PIN themselves and to test the AIC and PIN before leaving the ID Centre.

AICs can be renewed within three months of their expiry date. For renewal, the holder should complete the ID6 form and send it, accompanied by

• a Third Party Note;
• a copy of the certificate issued on successful completion of the BSAT course;
• a copy of the official i.d. card issued by the Department; and
• the relevant expired AIC

to Protocol Division, for onward transmission to the ID Centre.

AICs that are no longer required (e.g. the former holder has departed from Ireland after completion of her/his posting at the Mission) should be sent to Protocol Division, as a new card may not be issued by the ID Centre unless the previous one has been returned.

Protocol Division, Visits Section, looks after the arrangements, including arranging VIP facilities, for State and Official visits to Ireland by Heads of State, Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers.  Arrangements for all other visiting dignitaries are looked after by the host Department or host Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs; costs for VIP facilities should be discussed at the outset to ensure that both sides are clear as to what may and may not be covered by the host State. All arrangements for working, private or transit visits should be made and costs covered by the relevant Embassy/Mission accredited to Ireland.  

VIP Facilities in Dublin, Shannon and Cork Airports can be arranged directly with those airports by Embassies – please see below.

Dublin Airport

Platinum Services (VIP) at Dublin Airport operates on a commercial basis and can be booked directly as follows:    

Tel: (+ 353 1) 814 4895

E-mail: platinumservices@dublinairport.com      

All charges must be paid by the Mission unless agreed otherwise. Invoices should not be sent to Protocol Division other than with prior agreement. The booking conditions and rates for the VIP Facilities should be obtained directly from Platinum Services.

Shannon and Cork Airports

Contact details for VIP facilities at Shannon and Cork Airports are as follows:

-          Shannon Airport - ph. 061 712 108, mobile 087 232 8784

-          Cork Airport - ph. 021 431 3131, mobile 087 419 4332

Fast track facilities for Diplomats at Dublin airport

Dublin airport does not provide special immigration control points for the exclusive use of the diplomats and other accredited persons using the airport. However, it is possible for accredited persons from non-EU/EEA countries who are in in possession of a diplomatic i.d. card issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs to use the EU (as well as the non-EU) immigration control points at the airport.  This system was introduced in order to assist in facilitating speedy transit through the airport for accredited persons.

Parking

The Department advises that it is not possible to offer free VIP parking facilities to Missions at Dublin airport. Missions are therefore kindly requested to use the designated car parks for pick up or drop off purposes. VIP parking remains available to Missions using the VIP lounge at Platinum Services. 

If another Head of State or Government wishes to make an award to any Irish citizen (including a dual Irish citizen), which entails a title of nobility or honour, Missions are asked to notify Protocol Division in advance, via TPN, before any award is made.

Missions should provide the following information in the TPN:

-          Name of award / honour/ decoration

-          Name of Irish citizen to receive award

-          Whether the award is considered honorary or substantive in nature by the awarding State

-          Whether the award confers a title and the details of same

-          Brief details of the reason for the award

-          When it is intended to grant the award

-          Any other information about the award / recipient which the Embassy sees as helpful

Under Article 40.2.2 of the Irish Constitution “No title of nobility or honour may be accepted by any citizen except with the prior approval of the Government”.  

This means that awards to Irish citizens which are substantive in nature, and bestow a title, require the prior approval of the Irish Government. "[T]itles of nobility or honour" refer to awards conferred by or on behalf of a sovereign authority, the recipients of which become entitled, by the law or custom of the foreign state, to use prefixes to their names, such as "Sir", "Dame", "Lord", or "Marquis".

As the Department is unable to provide a definitive list of awards which fall within the ambit of Article 40.2.2 of the Irish Constitution, Missions are asked to notify Protocol at least eight weeks in advance of the proposed bestowal of an award. It is not possible to seek retrospective Government approval for the acceptance of such awards.

Awards which are honorary in nature do not require the prior approval of the Government. An award which provides for the use of letters or marks of distinction after one’s name, medals, ribbons or academic honours by a State are not regarded as a title of nobility or honour for the purpose of Article 40.2.2 and do not require the prior approval of the Government.

However, Missions are asked to notify Protocol in advance of any proposed honorary awards by a State, both for Irish citizens and for dual Irish citizens. These awards are dealt with at official level. Missions are asked to notify Protocol at least eight weeks in advance of the proposed bestowal of such awards. 

Name of the State

The name of the State is ‘Ireland’ as per Article 4 of the Constitution.  Third Party Notes (TPNs) which refer to ‘the Republic of Ireland’ shall be returned to the relevant Mission for re-submission using the correct name.

Irish National Anthem

The Irish National Anthem “Amhrán na bhFiann” or “The Soldier’s Song” was written in 1907 by Peadar Kearney. It became widely known from 1916 onwards. “Amhrán na bhFiann” was formally adopted as the National Anthem in 1926.

The lyrics are available on  the website of the Department of the Taoiseach.

Irish National Flag

The flag was first introduced by Thomas F Meagher in 1848.  

The Green represents the older Gaelic tradition; the Orange represents the supporters of William of Orange and the White in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the ‘Orange’ and the ‘Green’.

The proportion of the flag is 2:1. Each colour is 1/3 of the width.

The Pantone Matching System (pms) is used for categorising the colours of the flag:

Green = pms 347

White

Orange = pms 151

Further information on the National Flag is contained in the “The National Flag” booklet, available on the Department of the Taoiseach website.

The booklet contains details about the history of the National Flag, guidelines on its use, design, display and occasions on which it is flown.

Foreign National Anthems

Missions are advised to retain copies of their respective national anthems in digital / sheet music formats to have available if requested by Protocol for the relevant Irish authorities, e.g. for Credential Ceremonies.

Government websites

Useful information on the Irish State is available on www.gov.ie. This website provides a wide range of links to government services and information about Government Departments and Agencies.