Martin McAleese (Independent)

I have. I ask the Leader to ask the Tánaiste if such a transfer of passport functions will occur and, if so, what safeguards will be built in to ensure appropriate direct and speedy communication between the various offices and Departments, including our embassies, and to provide assurance that ease of access to passport services for our citizens is maintained.

I ask the Leader to request the Tánaiste to give his views on a strategic question, that of the need for a clear and up to date vision and public statement of the principles underlying Irish foreign policy. The first and only White Paper on Foreign Policy was an initiative of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dick Spring. That document dates back to 1996 and is impressive in its scope and detail, but after 15 years the context has changed at home and abroad. I suggest that a review of that White Paper could be a useful vehicle to consider policy priorities. It could provide clarity within the Department and for the public on what principles and policies now guide Ireland's foreign policy and what issues we intend to focus on in light of current resource constraints. Will the Tánaiste review or consider a review of this White Paper? I ask the Leader to put these questions to the Tánaiste at the earliest opportunity.