Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The second most senior diplomatic person in the country has been assigned as non-resident ambassador to the Vatican. I have read all the reports from the ambassadors when they were there in respect of meetings and in respect of speeches that were given, either by the Pope or by persons from the Vatican at various meetings. Deputy Martin, as a former Minister for Foreign Affairs, will be aware of this. The position, as outlined by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, is clear here.

Government decisions are reviewed on a constant basis, as they should be. The position is that every diplomatic mission, consular mission and embassy is reviewed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and by the Minister, and the Tánaiste has confirmed that. He has also made known his views about some flexibility that may exist depending on a response from the Vatican.

In respect of what Deputy Martin stated on the protection of children and the protection of children's rights, and that it is necessary to have persons on the ground, we had persons on the ground in the Vatican for very many years and look what happened and what was allowed to happen. Deputy Martin should not come in here and, because he wants to go with the current trend, tell me that simply by putting somebody on the ground would deal with the sensitive and personal issue that was such a scar on our land and on our people. Deputy Martin should not do that.

I will say this to Deputy Martin. This is a Government decision. It is one that will be reviewed as per the Tánaiste's clear comment on it, and that is the position. In so far as those who say this has something to do with religious beliefs are concerned, let me assure Deputy Martin that the relationship between the Government and the Catholic Church is now more real than it has been for many years.

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