asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Israeli government have requested permission to open an embassy in Dublin; if permission has been granted by the Irish Government; if so, when the embassy will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Israeli Embassy in Dublin.
11.
It would be inappropriate and contrary to international practice to speculate publicly on the question of the establishment by Israel, or indeed any other country with whom we do not already maintain resident diplomatic relations, of an embassy in Dublin. This would be a matter for discussion between the Government and any other government concerned. The exchange of residential embassies with other countries is a matter which is kept under continuous review in the light of our international interests and the availability of the necessary resources.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, we already have diplomatic relations with Israel on a non-residential basis.
Will the Minister confirm, or deny, the fairly consistent press reports to the effect that the Government have made a decision, or are close to making a decision, to have full diplomatic relations with Israel?
As I said, it would be inappropriate, and contrary to international practice, for me to say anything one way or the other on those reports whether they are persistent or occasional. These matters are obviously bilateral and it would be entirely inappropriate for one of the parties to the rumours to make any statement.
Will the Minister agree that all other EC countries have exchanged residential embassies with Israel and that it would be in our interests for the purpose of promoting trade, in agriculture, in particular, and in tourism, if residential ambassadors were exchanged? Will the Minister agree that if we are to have a role in the promotion of peace in the Middle East, particularly in the Lebanon context, it is essential that there should be a mutual diplomatic presence in both countries.
I am not aware of the position with regard to the other members of the Ten but I take it from what the Deputy has said that the other members have resident diplomatic relations in Israel. That may be, but it does not follow that residential diplomatic relations would necessarily improve, expedite or make easier the conduct of trade between the two countries. Generally, these matters are done by trading agencies, and private merchants, from the countries concerned. Sometimes, for consular reasons, it can be of assistance to have a diplomatic presence on the odd occasions when quick consular action is needed in some way. With regard to the overall position in the Middle East I do not think that the value of our contribution is in any way diminished by not having residential diplomatic relations with Israel. Our position in regard to the whole Middle East problem is that of the Ten. In particular, we support the Venice declaration and our contribution to the position in the Middle East — and, indeed, in Lebanon — can best be made through the Ten.
Will the Minister indicate whether the Government are reviewing the position as to whether a residential embassy should be provided in Ireland for the Israeli State and by this State providing a residential embassy in Israel in the context of the anomalous position created whereby we do have residential ambassadors to Iran, Egypt and the Lebanon? In the light of the work done by the Irish troops with the United Nations it would be very much in the interests of this country that an exchange of residential ambassadors takes place.
As I said to Deputy De Rossa, it would be inappropriate for me to offer any comment as to whether the Government are reviewing, or not reviewing, a change in the residential or non-residential status of our diplomatic relations with Israel. It does not follow that because we have residential relations with other neighbouring countries we should be under an obligation to have them with every country in the same region. There are many instances, I am sure, in different global areas where we have residential relations accredited on a non-residential basis to neighbouring countries. We just do not have the resources to provide all the residences we would like.
Will the Minister confirm that where countries have requested residential facilities for embassies in Ireland on occasion it has been agreed they could establish residential embassies here while we maintain our diplomatic relations through non-residential ambassadors? For example, Turkey is a country in that situation. Will the Minister confirm in that context that there would be no additional expense incurred by us or that our facilities would not be stretched by such an arrangement at some future date?
I agree with the Deputy that there are a number of instances where there is not full reciprocity in regard to representation but I would regard those as lessons to be learned from rather than precedents to be followed.