Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 592: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10835/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's Embassies and Consulates overseas provide a range of services to Irish citizens, Irish businesses and the Government. There are currently no plans to cut back on the level of these services.

The costs of running most of these overseas missions are met from the administrative budget of Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs). A 6% reduction in the Vote 28 administrative provision in Budget 2009 over Budget 2008 has already been implemented. As this provision is broadly at the same level as it was in 2005, it indicates that the mission network is being run at a high level of efficiency.

I am determined to ensure that the Embassies and Consulates continue to operate efficiently and ensure that frontline services are protected.

Any change to the 2009 Budget provision would be a matter for the Government to consider.