Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I regret the Tánaiste's response on this matter because I am aware some considerable work had been done by his predecessor in advancing the idea of developing an embassy in Indonesia. I raised the matter in the context of the Asia strategy which, as he is aware, was brought forward in 1999 and has proved particularly effective in building business and political contacts for us in the Asia-Pacific region.

If I am correct, the second phase of that Asia strategy, which was from 2005 to 2009, succeeded in driving up Irish exports to the region to approximately €11 billion, more than €2 million ahead of target. It would seem that this is one of those locations where it is very much in the national interest that we would do some work and try to establish an embassy in Indonesia. There is also an aid aspect to our possible involvement in Indonesia.

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