asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the transfer of the Irish Ambassador (details supplied) in London a little over a year after his appointment.

The ambassador in question took up duty in London on 25 February 1977 and was transferred to New York on 11 November 1978. In his capacity as ambassador and permanent representative of Ireland to the United Nations he is responsible in general for the direction, in accordance with Government policy, of Ireland's participation in the work of the organisation. In particular, when I am not myself present in New York, he acts as chairman of the Irish delegation to the sessions of the General Assembly and to other United Nations bodies. His role in this regard will be of particular importance during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Community.

Would the Minister agree that there has been an unprecedented level of transfers and reappointments in the service over the last year or two? Will this continue?

No, and I do not propose to share my thoughts and responsibilities with the Deputy as to what will happen in the future.