Vol. 466 No. 3
35 Mr. Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which he proposes to ensure that his Department is in a position to efficiently and effectively cope with the demands of the critical Northern Ireland talks and Ireland's forthcoming Presidency of the EU. [11118/96]
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been given additional staffing and financial resources to cope with the demands of Ireland's Presidency of the EU. In this regard I would refer the Deputy to my replies of 6 February 1996 to Questions Nos. 30, 57, and 75, to my reply of 24 April 1996 to Question No. 65 and to my reply of 25 April 1996 to Question No. 5. With regard to financial resources, the 1996 Foreign Affairs Vote contains an additional provision of £8.704 million to cover Presidency related costs.
As regards the Northern Ireland talks, Dáil approval has been sought for a Supplementary Estimate of £500,000 to cover additional costs arising from the talks process. Additional staff resources will be provided for the Anglo-Irish division of my Department as required.
