Mr. David Cooney:

Tehran was not on the list of eight embassies approved by Government, but we gave it very serious consideration. I can probably speak for the Tánaiste when I say it is an issue he would like to revisit. We gave it careful consideration in the context of the improved situation in that country. The main reason behind our decision to close the embassy in Tehran in 2011 was the impact of sanctions, which meant we were not really able to do the type of business we wanted to do. Things are now improving in Iran and the reopening of the embassy in Tehran certainly will be to the forefront of our consideration as the situation develops. The view on this occasion, however, was that the situation had not moved on sufficiently to justify its reopening.