Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 6

Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation.

Noel O'Flynn

Ceist:

144 Mr. O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will actively support the continued full diplomatic representation of the State of Vatican City at the United Nations; and if it will oppose the campaign by the organisation known as See Change to downgrade the full diplomatic representation of the State of Vatican City at the United Nations to observer status. [27236/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Holy See's status at the United Nations is that of a non-member state maintaining a permanent observer mission. It does not, therefore, have full diplomatic representation such as enjoyed by the 189 member states. Ireland fully supports the maintenance of the Holy See's observer status. I am not aware of a campaign to change this position.