asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) the number of agricultural attachés based at Irish embassies abroad and (b) if it is intended to make further appointments in this area, due to the importance of our agricultural exports, worth over £1,000 million in 1978.

There are ten officers from the Department of Agriculture seconded to my Department and serving at Irish missions abroad. The necessity for further appointments is constantly kept under review by my Department and the Department of Agriculture.

In recognition of the importance of our agricultural exports my Department and the Department of Agriculture keep the question of further appointments constantly under review.

Have there been any appointments in the last year?

No, not to my knowledge. There have been changes of staff last year.

The Minister has not increased the number himself?

No, but the Deputy will have noticed from the reply that it is a matter for consultation between the Department of Agriculture and my Department. I can assure the Deputy that certainly I would be very anxious to meet the wishes of the Minister and the Department of Agriculture where they see a need.

It is still the same number as when the Minister took over?

I think so.