Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if consideration is being given to the establishment of a full Irish Embassy in Lesotho; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36992/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has maintained a resident mission in Lesotho since an aid office was opened there in 1978. The status of the office was subsequently changed to a Consulate General. The role and responsibility of the Consulate General is to oversee and manage the implementation of the aid programme in Lesotho, which is the Government's longest running programme.

In the context of diplomatic changes later in the year, I will examine the most appropriate diplomatic accreditation for Ireland to have in Lesotho over the coming years.