Dáil Thursday 27 May 1976

‹ Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Embassy Employees.

Soviet embassy staff numbers and KGB claims

Summary

Asked again whether KGB members were attached to the Soviet Embassy, the Minister said he knew of no such information. He confirmed 17 Soviet citizens were employed there, rejected a claim that the number was closer to 40, and offered to investigate if the Deputy provided evidence.

Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Labour Party

Question No. 4.

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Desmond J. O'Malley Mr. O'Malley Fianna Fáil

Is the Minister satisfied that there are no members of the KGB attached to the Russian Embassy here?

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Garrett Fitzgerald Dr. FitzGerald Fine Gael

This is the question put to me previously. I am not aware of any information to that effect.

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Seán Moore Mr. Moore Fianna Fáil

I do not think he is satisfied anyway.

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Labour Party

Order. Deputy Briscoe.

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Ben Briscoe Mr. Briscoe Fianna Fáil

The Minister has given a figure of 17 Soviet citizens. Is the Minister satisfied that that figure is accurate?

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Garrett Fitzgerald Dr. FitzGerald Fine Gael

Yes.

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Ben Briscoe Mr. Briscoe Fianna Fáil

Is the Minister aware that the figure, as I understand it, is somewhere in the region of 40 and will he have this investigated?

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Garrett Fitzgerald Dr. FitzGerald Fine Gael

No, there are 17 Soviet citizens employed in the Soviet Embassy in Dublin.

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Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle Labour Party

Question No. 4.

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Ben Briscoe Mr. Briscoe Fianna Fáil

If I can satisfy the Minister that there are in excess of 17, will he have that investigated?

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Garrett Fitzgerald Dr. FitzGerald Fine Gael

If the Deputy has such information—which I think is not possible—I will, of course, have it investigated. The Deputy will appreciate that Soviet citizens have wives and children. Perhaps he may be thinking of them. But there are 17 Soviet citizens employed in the Soviet Embassy.

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