asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens employed in the Irish Embassy at Moscow; the number of Soviet citizens employed in the Soviet Embassy at Dublin; and the reason for the discrepancy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Embassy Employees.
3.
There are seven Irish citizens employed in the Irish Embassy in Moscow and 17 Soviet citizens employed in the Soviet Embassy in Dublin.
The number of Irish citizens assigned to the Embassy at Moscow is sufficient to ensure the satisfactory functioning of the embassy and at present there is no necessity for us to consider increasing the number.
Is the Minister satisfied that all the Soviet citizens employed in the Russian Embassy here are in fact genuine diplomats, or is he aware of a widespread belief that a good proportion of them, at least—as is the case in virtually all other countries—are not diplomats but spies and people are members of the KGB?
The position is that there are five diplomatic officers amongst the 17. That is, I think, no more than Nigeria has, or Japan and less than Australia. The remaining staff are engaged on other activities in the embassy, as is normal in embassies where there are diplomatic staff, secretarial staff, chauffeurs and so on.
Does the Minister agree that some at least of these people are members of the KGB?
No, Sir, I have no such information.
Does the Minister not think it likely, in view of the fact that the Ambassador himself has a background in that particular organisation?
I am not aware of any basis for that allegation.
May I intervene here?
Would the Minister?
Order. When a representative appointed by another Government has been accredited to this State it is improper to question his character, credentials or previous background.
You were ready for that one, Sir. Are there any limitations on travel on our diplomats accredited to Moscow?
There are limitations on travel which are reciprocated in respect of Soviet diplomats accredited here.
What are the limitations on the Soviet diplomats here?
That is a separate question. If the Deputy puts down a question on that it will be dealt with.
Are they allowed to travel to Northern Ireland?
They are allowed, of course, to travel outside the State if they give advance notice of their intention to do so.
Why will the Minister not tell me what are the limitations on their travel in this country, as such?
That is a separate question and I would not wish to mislead the Deputy on any detail or any failure of recollection on my part on a point that does not arise from this question.
Question No. 4.
Is the Minister satisfied that there are no members of the KGB attached to the Russian Embassy here?
This is the question put to me previously. I am not aware of any information to that effect.
I do not think he is satisfied anyway.
Order. Deputy Briscoe.
The Minister has given a figure of 17 Soviet citizens. Is the Minister satisfied that that figure is accurate?
Yes.
Is the Minister aware that the figure, as I understand it, is somewhere in the region of 40 and will he have this investigated?
No, there are 17 Soviet citizens employed in the Soviet Embassy in Dublin.
Question No. 4.
If I can satisfy the Minister that there are in excess of 17, will he have that investigated?
If the Deputy has such information—which I think is not possible—I will, of course, have it investigated. The Deputy will appreciate that Soviet citizens have wives and children. Perhaps he may be thinking of them. But there are 17 Soviet citizens employed in the Soviet Embassy.