Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The matter of resources for our embassies abroad must be addressed in the context of the overall budgetary situation and the resources available. However, it is our intention to widen the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs to include a brief in respect of trade. We are making arrangements to give effect to this change so that, as a country, we get the maximum impact from our diplomatic missions abroad and so that we provide a focus on trade, expanding business and opening up business opportunities.

With regard to the situation in Japan, my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, attended a meeting yesterday of European energy ministers in order to address the issues and energy implications for nuclear power stations in a co-ordinated way. I will be working with my European Union colleagues to co-ordinate the European Union response to the situation from the point of view of providing assistance and aid.

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