asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present state of Ireland's diplomatic representation in Japan; and if any change is contemplated.
16.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Diplomatic Missions.
15.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the approximate capital cost of establishing an embassy with a total staff of five in a country where none already exists; and the basis on which financial considerations enter into decisions on the establishment of diplomatic relations.
17.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of this country's impending membership of the EEC, he will establish an embassy in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which is also a member of that body.
18.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of this country's impending membership of EEC, he will establish an embassy in Norway, which is also becoming a member of that body.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 16, 17 and 18 together.
The present position in regard to the three countries mentioned is that we are already represented by non-resident Ambassadors in Luxembourg and Norway and that we have no diplomatic representation in Japan. I do not consider it appropriate to discuss publicly the question of deciding on any change in that position. As I have already indicated it is open to any Deputy who has a view in a particular case to make this known to the Government.
As capital costs of establishing a mission would arise only where premises are purchased instead of rented and would vary from country to country no meaningful general estimate can be given.
Finally, financial considerations are only one of the factors involved in a decision to establish diplomatic relations.
Could the Minister tell me if the fact that we have four times as much trade with Japan as we have with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics would be a factor in deciding the relative urgency of establishing embassies in those two countries and could he further tell me if the fact that we would need to lobby support in the Councils of the EEC would also be a factor weighing in favour of the early establishment of formal embassies in both Norway and Luxembourg?
Would the Minister not agree that as Norway are not likely to go into the EEC it would be a waste of time?
I think that is wrong. I think they are very likely to go in. The factors mentioned by the Deputy are all important factors in the consideration of what to do.
Questions Nos. 19 to 22 postponed.