Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will reciprocate by appointing an Irish ambassador to Cuba, in recognition of the recent appointment of the Cuban Ambassador Mr. P. Noel Carrillo, to Ireland. [28373/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland currently has diplomatic relations with Cuba on a non-residential basis. The Irish Ambassador to Mexico is also accredited to Cuba.

The opening of Irish missions abroad and the appointment of resident ambassadors is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. As the Deputy will appreciate, constraints on Government expenditure and limited resources mean that any expansion of our diplomatic network can only be undertaken on a phased basis, and also on a basis of clear priorities.

While we welcome the appointment of the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Ireland, there are no plans to change the status of our representation in Cuba at this time.