Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1202. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues regarding reinstating the Irish embassy in Rome to its former structure, in particular the reinstatement of Villa Spada (details supplied). [34057/14]
View answerThe process of re-establishing a resident Embassy to the Holy See is ongoing. I am happy to confirm that the Ambassador Designate will travel to Rome in the coming days to take up duty. In preparation for this, my officials are addressing a variety of logistical, protocol and other tasks, including securing accommodation appropriate to the objectives of the Embassy, the staffing level and the available budget. A range of options are under consideration. However, I can advise that the Embassy to the Holy See will not be located in the Villa Spada, as that accommodation is now in use as our Embassy to the Italian Republic, housing both the Embassy offices and the official residence of the Head of Mission.
