Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Timmins is making a very valid point. For example, there is abhorrence in Ireland to using retired politicians for anything. John Bruton currently represents Europe very well in Washington DC. Many people with much skill could be called upon.

With regard to networking and using the resources available on the ground, Irish embassies are unsurpassed. The networks being established are extraordinary, as the Deputy will know from his recent visit to New York and the United States. We have made a very small investment over the years in the East but we are punching way above our weight, doing very well with few resources.

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