Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied) in order to retain a free, open and transparent media at an international level and within the United States of America. [47309/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The exchange of information between governments, reporting by diplomatic missions and the assessment of diplomatic personnel are an important aspect of the formulation of foreign policy and the conduct of international relations. For a variety of reasons, including political and commercial, it is important that such exchanges take place in confidence. This is not inconsistent with a commitment to freedom of the media and of expression. I do not propose to comment on the publication by the Wikileaks website of alleged United States diplomatic cables.

As the individual referred to is the subject of legal proceedings it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this particular case.