Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am always prepared to listen to Senator Darragh O'Brien. The embassy is one of our oldest diplomatic missions. It was established at the foundation of the State. I welcome the announcement in respect of our embassies in Jakarta in Indonesia, Croatia and elsewhere. In fairness, many of us made representations to the Tánaiste in respect of this matter since a number of our embassies abroad were closed. I take this opportunity to recognise the quiet diplomacy engaged in by our excellent Secretary General and non-resident ambassador to the Vatican, Mr. David Cooney, and the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles Brown, in the intervening period. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and its Chairman, Deputy Pat Breen, should also be recognised for the work they have done on this matter.