Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The Minister is incorrect because he has not maintained the full amount. It is important to acknowledge that he has cut it. In his initial response he clapped himself on the back on how well he was looking after them. He went further than McCarthy recommended in the measures he took. He doubled the cutback recommended. I am not saying he should be led entirely by McCarthy report. I admire that he is a man of his own view. However it is incorrect to say that he has maintained the service for them. From the point of view of funding he certainly has not.

It is remiss of the Minister not to consider the concept of rationalisation. I have previously suggested to him the Irish house concept. With the economies of scale and the combination of resources it could be far more effective than each individual Department paddling its own canoe. Does the Minister have no plans to close any of our embassies?

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