Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on opening an embassy in Venezuela. [6963/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland currently has diplomatic relations with Venezuela on a non-residential basis. The ambassador to Mexico is also accredited to Venezuela. Ireland also has an honorary consul in Caracas.

The opening of missions abroad is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. As I believe the Deputy will appreciate, constraints on Government expenditure mean that any expansion of our diplomatic network can only be undertaken having regard to clear priorities. In this regard, there are no plans to change the status of our representation in Venezuela at this time.