Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. When he took office, I congratulated him in the House for developing the concept - it was already in existence - of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our embassies abroad playing a critical role in the area of promoting trade. I am, therefore, concerned about this matter from a number of perspectives. In supporting and actively encouraging the Tánaiste to continue to develop the trade role, I must state that we still have a responsibility to maintain important diplomatic links that are already in place. The Tánaiste made a major decision in respect of this matter. I put it to him that this was the wrong decision. Many people throughout the country - practising Catholics and also those who have a respect for the role the church plays in world affairs - are hurt and offended by the decision relating to our embassy in the Vatican. Will the Tánaiste reconsider the position in respect of this matter? Fianna Fáil would be absolutely committed to re-establishing our embassy presence in the Vatican.

Is the Tánaiste in a position to indicate the extent to which the decision to close these embassies was discussed by the Cabinet? Was it merely rubber stamped? Did the Tánaiste engage with his Ministers of State in respect of it? I am concerned with regard to Iran and the decision to close our embassy there. Iran is extremely important both in the context of world security and with regard to the influence of the Shi'ite Muslim community. There is some €86 million in trade between our two nations and the bulk of this, over €80 million, takes the form of exports from Ireland to Iran.

Our establishment of a presence in Timor Leste was linked to our development aid role and the question of human rights. The issues which affect that country are as important now as they were in the past.

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