Diplomatic Representation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Ceisteanna (36)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

36. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is committed to bilateral and multilateral diplomatic interaction with the Holy See; if the Irish ambassador to the Holy See attended the meeting arranged on Friday, 13 December 2013, of all accredited ambassadors to meet with Archbishop Parolin, the new Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55206/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government is fully committed to maintaining relations with the Holy See.

Ambassador Cooney was in the Vatican earlier this week where he attended the New Year Greeting ceremony with Pope Francis and also met Archbishop Parolin. He did not attend the event on 13 December.