asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state the wording of the letter of credence presented by foreign envoys accredited to this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Diplomats' Credentials.
No country publishes the texts of letters of credence presented by foreign envoys, and it would not be proper to do so without the express permission of the Government responsible for issuing the document.
The form of letters of credence varies considerably according to the accrediting States and changes from time to time. The substance of these documents is, however, fairly uniform. They all declare that the accrediting State, desiring to maintain friendly relations with the receiving State, has appointed a certain person as diplomatic representative. The credentials go on to express the hope that the person appointed will be found agreeable, that he will perform his mission in a worthy manner, and that credence will be given to all his communications.
Would the Taoiseach consider placing on the Table of this House copies of the letters of credence addressed to members of our corps abroad, with the permission of the Irish Government? What objection would he have to laying on the Table of this House copies of the letters of credence which are presented by foreign envoys to the Head of this State?
That is a different question. This question is about foreign envoys accredited to this country. Now the Deputy puts a question about our letters of credence to countries abroad. Is that it?
It is a separate question.
Would it be possible for the Taoiseach to get the permission of those Governments in order that the information which this House requests may be furnished?
I do not think that this House has requested it.