Play
Vatican mission closure defended
Ireland will maintain diplomatic relations with the Vatican through an ambassador based in Dublin, it has been confirmed.
Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore said a senior diplomat would be appointed to service the Holy See directly from Ireland.
Of the other two resident embassies being shut down, Mr Gilmore said an ambassador from a neighbouring country would take responsibility for Iran while the ambassador to Singapore would maintain relations with Timor Leste.
Fianna Fail deputy leader Eamon O Cuiv told Mr Gilmore he did not believe the mission to the Vatican was being shut down for financial reasons.
The Galway West TD said savings could easily have been made elsewhere and argued Ireland's international reputation would be damaged by the move at a time when countries such as Britain, Australia and Russia have all upgraded missions to the Holy See.
"When has Ireland decided that issues such as human rights, third world aid, freedom of religion, the environment, disarmament or democracy are not important any more, and that everything is just a matter of economic gain?" he said in the Dail.
Mr O Cuiv said the Vatican is a major player in global diplomacy, with one of the largest diplomatic corps in the world.
But Mr Gilmore said the resident embassy closure would save the taxpayer 1.2 million euro a year while diplomatic relations would continue.
"I would hope that in the course of time, as the country recovers, that we will be able to return to the question of whether or not we should have resident embassies in those locations," he said.
"But right now it's not the Government's intention to reverse the decision which has been made - that decision will stand."
PA
Most Read
- Astonishing antics of NI hospital medic revealed: Doctor Tsakov admits to lewd and racist outbursts and showing porn to colleagues
- Former Presbyterian moderator joins ex-IRA man on SDLP’s Irish unity group
- Top Belfast chef fumes as ‘weekend cancelled’ with forced outdoor terrace closure while indoor petrol station dining allowed
- Revealed: the BBC NI presenters paid the most for external work
- Bryson hits out at policing and NI Protocol as loyalists stage protest in Markethill
Top Videos
Play
Play
Play
Latest Republic of Ireland
- Non-essential cross-border travel must be stopped ‘by enforcement if required’
- Northern Ireland in 2031: Young voices on where we'll be in a decade's time
- HSE seeks ‘flexibility’ on use of Johnson & Johnson jabs for under-50s
- Victims and politicians condemn Government’s Troubles ‘amnesty’ plan
- Outright ban on investment funds buying homes a mistake, says Varadkar
Latest
- UK to increase diplomatic efforts with France over Jersey fishing rights
- Elections 2021: Day-by-day guide to likely declaration times
- What holiday destinations will be on the green list?
- Holidaymakers to find out quarantine-free destinations
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hails performances of Edinson Cavani and David De Gea