Tony Gregory
Question:76 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timescale for the opening of the proposed Irish Embassy in Ankara, Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16578/98]
Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation.
Following the Government decision of 9 June to establish a resident diplomatic mission in Turkey, the Department of Foreign Affairs is currently examining the resource issues with a view to taking an early decision on the timescale for opening the embassy. I would wish to proceed with the opening of the embassy in Ankara as speedily as possible.
Tony Gregory
Question:77 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the name of the Irish Ambassador with accreditation to the Council of Europe; and the plans, if any, there are for him to meet the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly. [16579/98]
Mr. Patrick Walshe, Assistant Secretary in charge of the Council of Europe section at the Department of Foreign Affairs, is accredited to the Council of Europe on a non-resident basis. Assistant Secretary Walshe assumed his functions as permanent representative on 4 June 1997.
In recognition of the increased role and importance of the Parliamentary Assembly in the work of the Council of Europe following its enlargement, the Council of Europe section of the Department has endeavoured to ensure that it follows more closely the debates, resolutions and recommendation of the Assembly, monitors the progress of its committees, and establishes closer liaison with the Irish parliamentarians during the part-sessions. However, the fact that Ireland does not have permanent representation in Strasbourg and the limited resources available place certain limitations on the degree to which the Department can service the part-sessions of the Assembly.
The permanent representative has met members of the Irish Parliamentary Delegation in Strasbourg, most recently during the visit by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy O'Donnell, to the Assembly on 24 June 1998. The permanent representative and the Council of Europe section of the Department are happy to meet with the Irish parliamentary delegation or individual members should they have any particular concerns or matters which they wish to raise with the Department concerning the Council of Europe. Arrangements are now being made for a meeting between the Irish delegation and Mr. Walshe.