Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects to reopen the embassy to the Holy See; the number of times Ireland's representative to the Vatican has met the with the Vatican since his appointment; the number of times he has stayed in Rome since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39136/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As I have stated consistently, the decision to close the resident Embassy to the Holy See will not be reversed in the immediate term. However, in the context of the budgetary situation, I will continue to review the deployment of our diplomatic resources overseas. Any discussions with the Holy See on arrangements whereby it might be possible to re-establish a resident Embassy at a future date are best conducted in confidence and I do not intend to comment further on the matter. Our Ambassador to the Holy See has maintained ongoing diplomatic contact with the Holy See and visits the Vatican regularly. He has had meetings there within the past week.