Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Tánaiste for his response. On the face of it, his initiative on 1 June was positive, but where is the beef? Has there been an obvious change in the diplomatic stance of our ambassadors and heads of mission across the world? Will the Tánaiste point to specific measures operating to the benefit of the country that are now in place that were not in effect before 1 June?

The Tánaiste raised the issue of achieving economies across the diplomatic system, an important aim that we accept. The Tánaiste also referred to the question on the three missions to be closed. A broad-based cost saving measure might have been preferable to his decision to save €1.8 million, a small amount of money.

Where is the beef? What are the specific, tangible changes in the approaches of our diplomats that are beginning to yield benefits for us?

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