Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 6: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the implications of the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31895/09]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In light of the current challenges in the public finances, the Government is examining all areas of expenditure to identify where savings can be made, while minimising the impact on frontline services to the public. The Deputy is correct to state a great range of subjects have been mentioned in the McCarthy report or the report of the special group on public sector numbers and expenditure programmes. The report suggested the following - a reduction of the number of missions to 55, currently we have 75 missions; to grade all head of mission posts at principal officer level with the exception of three or four posts; to reduce foreign service allowances by 12.5%; to cease funding to the UN Association in 2010; to cease funding to the European Movement in 2010; to reduce the allocation for contributions to international organisations by €5 million; to cease expenditure on a technical assistance programme for new EU member states; to maintain the allocation for Vote 29 (Irish Aid) at 0.39% in 2010; to extend the timeframe for reaching the UN target for overseas development aid until 2015; to reduce expenditure on support for emigrant services; to remove the free passport scheme for those aged 65 years and over; and to reduce staff numbers by 65.

Planned expenditure and resource levels for the Department are currently being considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the special group and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes. As the Deputy will be aware from my previous comments on such issues as support for emigrant services, we must make difficult choices, of that there is no doubt. There are some services which are provided through our embassies and consulates general which should be regarded as inviolable.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Minister mentioned that it would be inappropriate for him to comment, so I assume he means in advance of budgetary estimates. That has not prevented some of his colleagues from commenting. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has stated there should be no cuts, and the Tánaiste seemed to dismiss the McCarthy report today out of hand. The Minister of State is adopting a fairly responsible position. Perhaps he is looking for favour in his application for the EU Commissioner post. I wish him well in his covert - or overt - application.

There is a realisation on this side of the House that changes must be made and some areas will have to suffer because the money is not available. The Minister of State mentioned cutting back the number of embassies from 75 to 55. In doing so we should consider appropriate amalgamations because we export so much. We could develop the Irish house concept as opposed to the stand-alone embassy and Departments having various bodies and facilities abroad. We have approximately ten Irish houses across the globe. We should develop this concept rather than cut back on embassies, as it would lead to rationalisation. It may enhance the service we provide.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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The list which was mentioned would do irreversible damage to our reputation.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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It would be easy for me to be critical of Mr. McCarthy and his report.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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The Minister of State should be.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The report considered the issue from a blank sheet perspective but we never start from a blank sheet. There would be very significant damage done in some of those areas where we have built up resources. The point made by Deputy Timmins is valid, as there is undoubtedly capacity for synergies; many of our State bodies also operate in other member states.

I am being coy in advance of the annual budgetary process, as that is just getting under way. Would that I could inform you how it will end. Axes are being wielded and as the Deputy stated, we must cut our cloth according to our measure. We must be very careful about where to impose those cuts.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I cannot recall the exact year but when Mr. Walsh was Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs there were cutbacks in the mid to late 1920s. It was only getting a pittance at the time but it took a massive hit relative to other areas. I would not like to think it would be the politically soft option because it may be so with much of the public. It fulfils a valuable and good purpose, particularly as we export so much. We must get the Department involved with trade, etc., and extend its remit rather than narrow it.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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We cannot export to Latin America if there are no embassies there.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I accept the Deputy's positive contribution and synergies must be sought within existing services. The Deputy is correct in that we depend on exports; more than 80% of what we produce is exported and we must keep in touch with what is happening on the ground. The only way to do so is to be represented on the ground.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Fine Gael was very supportive of the Farmleigh project which took place over the weekend and brought back members of the Irish diaspora. I called for such an event down through the years.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy is extending the question somewhat.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I heard some derogatory comments from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, on the matter but we were campaigning for a "Yes" vote on the Lisbon treaty at the weekend so we could not attend for the duration.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I acknowledge the last point. I was fully aware that the Fine Gael Party leader had commitments at the time of the event.