No costs were incurred by the State at the recent launch of pop band Westlife's CD at the Irish Embassy in London, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who defended the launch as "an excellent opportunity to promote Ireland and Irish music".
All costs were borne by the record company, which "fully sponsored" the event to mark Westlife's fifth anniversary in existence, Mr Cowen told the Dáil. He pointed out that similar events have been hosted in the embassy, including the recent reception for the Irish Youth Foundation and the launch of a music CD of the late rock star, Rory Gallagher. That launch was also fully sponsored by the record company involved, he said. "I am of the opinion that our network of embassies should generally be available to host events which promote Ireland's interests."
Westlife's launch provoked controversy because the Taoiseach's son-in-law is a band member, but the Minister pointed out that a "key role of Ireland's embassies and consulates abroad is the promotion of Irish trade, investment and other interests, including culture".
Dr Liam Twomey (Ind, Wexford) raised the issue but was not suggesting inappropriate behaviour. "I simply draw attention to the fact that embassies are funded by Irish taxpayers," he said. It was difficult to distinguish between "a goodwill function and one which has a strong commercial element".
