Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

He was a very good lecturer and sociologist. I can thank him for my grasp of all those complicated issues. He was chairman of the Friends of Palestine when I was a convener here, so his heart is in the right place. I also welcome Senator Norris back - I did not forget him on the day.

I request that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade should come to the House to explain why he is closing the embassy to the Holy See. It is a very important posting for Ireland. I went to school with the outgoing ambassador, Mr. Noel Fahey, from Roscommon. This embassy in Rome is very important. There are currently more than 1 billion Catholics in the world. The Holy See supported this State in its infancy. It was a friend when we needed friends abroad. It is, as far as I am concerned, a vital cog.

The purpose of this proposal is to downgrade and damage the relationship between the Holy See and Ireland. The decision was made based on accusations about our connection with the Holy See.