I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 and 499 together.
On the occasion of the death in office of Heads of State or Government, or other figures holding high office in the international community such as Foreign Ministers or others, the condolences of the Irish authorities can be expressed in a number of ways. Following the death recently of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Ireland’s Ambassador in Riyadh offered condolences and attended the traditional occasion for the paying of respects. The Book of Condolences at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia was also signed by an official of my Department. The national flag was not flown at half mast over the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on this occasion.