Ivana Bacik (Independent)

The Senator has called for a debate on the closure of the embassy to the Holy See even though we have already dealt with the issue in the House with the Tánaiste who gave a very clear response. It was a decision taken by the Government. Three missions were closed - the embassies in Iran, East Timor and the Vatican. All of the closures are regrettable, but as the Tánaiste made clear, if and when the economic position improves, they can all be reviewed. Many Members on the other side of the House have been pushing this issue, day after day, to the point of tedium. As I said, we have had the Tánaiste in the House who has given a very clear response.