Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 5: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will reverse the decision to close Ireland's embassy in the Vatican; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38300/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It was with the greatest regret and reluctance that the Government decided to close Ireland's Embassy to the Holy See. This decision is in line with the tough choices that the Government must make to address the current economic challenges that face the country. Our targets under the EU/IMF programme and our need to reduce public expenditure mean that cuts to public expenditure must be made across a wide range of public services, including the diplomatic service.

The decision followed a comprehensive review of the overseas diplomatic network in which particular weight was given to the promotion of Irish economic interests and the economic return from Missions abroad.

The conclusions reached on foot of this survey reflect the Government's view of how the diminished resources available to my Department can best be deployed to represent the State's interests abroad at the present time.

Ireland will maintain diplomatic relations and continue its active engagement with the Holy See through our non resident Ambassador, a position to which the Government has nominated a senior Dublin-based diplomat, and the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, who I look forward to welcoming to Ireland soon.

The Government will continue to review the deployment of our diplomatic service, including in relation to the Holy See, in the light of our evolving needs and the resources available.