Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I cannot recall the exact year but when Mr. Walsh was Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs there were cutbacks in the mid to late 1920s. It was only getting a pittance at the time but it took a massive hit relative to other areas. I would not like to think it would be the politically soft option because it may be so with much of the public. It fulfils a valuable and good purpose, particularly as we export so much. We must get the Department involved with trade, etc., and extend its remit rather than narrow it.

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