asked the Minister for External Affairs whether Russian is being taught to any officers of his Department in Dublin at the Department's expense, and whether time off is permitted to such officers for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teaching of Russian.
When I took over the Department of External Affairs last year, I found that there was no longer any officer at Headquarters who had a knowledge of Russian and I, therefore, asked some members of the staff to obtain a working knowledge of this language.
In answer to the latter part of the Deputy's question, I may say that so far the lectures and study involved have cost the Department nothing in time or money, but I am having a case prepared for submission to the Department of Finance asking for sanction to pay the expenses of the officers concerned, and, if necessary, to give time off to attend lectures in the event of the time of the lectures being changed.
Is it the intention of the Minister to visit Russia—is that the reason?
You never know.
With this Minister, one would never know.
There are many people going here and there these days.
Someone should bring the Deputy over and lose him there.