Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his introduction. Yesterday's announcement was good news for this country. It is welcome that in spite of the difficult circumstances that we have extended our embassies, in particular in Asia, and a new one in Zagreb in Croatia, as well as extending to the US and other areas. It is very good news despite the tight budgetary constraints that exist because there is no doubt that our embassies play a very important role in our economic recovery. We will move on to Vote 28. I call on the Tánaiste to make some brief introductory remarks on the promotion of Ireland's economic and trade interests in Europe and internationally.