Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

On the closure of the Irish embassy in the Vatican, the intervention by a former Irish ambassador to the United States is exceptional by any standards. The incisive and supportive editorial in The Irish Times brings this issue very much centre stage. Mr. Seán Donlon was one of the foremost and most highly respected members of the diplomatic service. He served in the United States at a time when relations between Ireland and Britain were at a very low ebb, so he understands the importance and the value of diplomacy. He knows one cannot sideline this as an insignificant issue because we all know that the diplomatic service embraces all aspects of life in a country and spills over into the image of a country, as well as into the area of employment, investment and all of those issues.

I support the motion which has been put forward by Senator Thomas Byrne. I believe at this stage that the quicker we get this issue off the radar, the better for all concerned. We should not be trying to score personal points and we should not get into theological arguments. I do not believe for a moment that the economic arguments stand up. We all know in our hearts that there is now an onus on us, given this issue will not go away.

It would be very helpful if the Taoiseach came into the House to debate this issue. I am sure the Leader will endeavour to help us in that regard. It would be a pity if every second day in this Chamber we have to get up and respond to new revelations which are coming out on this matter. It is not just the editorial in The Irish Times, it is also in the Irish Independent today and in so many other organs as well. I appeal to the Leader to agree to the request that the Taoiseach would come to the House to find whether this matter can be put to bed once and for all.