asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, as a result of his recent meetings with eastern European leaders, consideration is being given to establishing diplomatic relations with any of these countries, with a view to expanding our trade with them.

Presumably the Deputy has in mind my recent meetings with the Presidents of Yugoslavia and Roumania. The establishment of formal diplomatic relations is a matter which must be considered in the light of our international interests and the availability of the necessary resources. We have, of course, already exchanged diplomatic representatives with Yugoslavia on a non-residential basis. Although Ireland maintains normal relations with Roumania, it is one of the many countries with which we do not have formal diplomatic links. As the opening of diplomatic relations requires the prior agreement of the state concerned, it would be inappropriate and contrary to international practice to speculate publicly about the Government's possible future intentions.

Did the Minister say he was considering opening permanent diplomatic relations? I am aware that we have diplomatic relations with most of these countries, but are we thinking of opening permanent embassies in these places? I have in mind something I asked for in this House in the 1960s—the necessity, because of many historical affinities between the two countries, of opening a permanent embassy in Poland. I believe this should have preceded the opening of an embassy in the Soviet Union and I said so in this House nearly ten years ago. Has the Minister this matter under consideration?

The Deputy's question relates to establishing diplomatic relations which is not always on the basis of a permanent embassy. In any relations we have we want to ensure that we can reciprocate in the fullest possible way whatever is being done on the other side. Therefore, before we could agree to a residential embassy here we would want too ensure that we could match that on the other side in personnel and resources. There are other factors also that we consider in coming to such decisions.

The Soviet Union is the most important country there, but would the Minister not agree, both in historical terms and in view of the similarity of problems faced by this country and Poland, that the opening of permanent diplomatic relations and resident staffs on both sides should be considered as a high priority?

I want to assure the Deputy that we will continue to move towards strengthening and developing even closer ties. If that means residential embassies subject to appropriate conditions and times, that is what we will aim for. However, the Deputy will appreciate that with the extension of our diplomatic activity there is a limit on our resources and personnel. I am most anxious to ensure that whatever we do we do well and remain in control of the situation.