asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the accommodation that has been provided for the embassy staff in Moscow; the level of staffing for that embassy; and the names of the persons appointed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Moscow Embassy Staff.
10.
A house has been provided for use as an embassy chancery and also as the official residence of the Ambassador. Five apartments have been provided in an apartment building for the Irish staff of the embassy. The staff of the embassy consists of the Ambassador, first and third secretaries, an administrative attaché and two clerical assistants from the home service. In addition, an officer of Córas Trachtála is attached and has the status of commercial attaché. Locally recruited staff consist of a telephonist-typist, two messengers, a cleaner, a gardener and a maintenance man.
The names of the diplomatic officers at present appointed to the Embassy in Moscow are as follows:
Ambassador—Dr. E. J. Brennan; First Secretary—Mr. J. Sharkey; Commercial Attaché—Mr. R. McHugh; Third Secretary—This post is at present vacant; Administrative Attaché—This post is also vacant at present.
Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if the Government are satisfied that the number of staff they have appointed in Moscow is adequate?
I would have thought that was a separate question but I must assume that the Government are satisfied that the staffing is adequate.
As a member of the Opposition, I am not satisfied.