Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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119. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are any plans to reduce the size of the Russian diplomatic presence in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32937/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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On 29 March, the Russian Ambassador to Ireland was informed that four senior officials from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Dublin were being expelled. 

The judgement that the government has made is that despite our strong disagreement with the actions taken by Russia, it is better to keep diplomatic channels open. Open lines of communication facilitate diplomacy, which is more important than ever in a conflict situation. Communication with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Ireland also allows us to continue to directly convey our strong opposition to their war of aggression against Ukraine.  

Secondly, diplomatic engagement helps us to better protect Ireland's interests, and to protect our citizens - both in Russia itself, and the five central Asian republics for which Ireland is represented by our Embassy in Moscow.

Finally, we need to consider our actions within the context of the wider EU response. Like all of our other responses during this crisis, we are coordinating closely with EU Member States and like minded partners.