Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We must respect the decisions of governments in times of difficulty in public finances, when they must make decisions they would not normally contemplate. Our own Government has had to do likewise and we must recognise that good bilateral relations between Sweden and Ireland will continue. While one regrets that an embassy is closing, it does not take away from the good and friendly relations we have with the Swedish Government and people.

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