asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the circumstances relating to the appointment of an Irish Consul in Sierra Leone; and the nationality or origin of the person appointed.

The Honorary Consul of Ireland in Sierra Leone is a national of that country. The appointment of an Honorary Consul in Freetown was made in March 1978, for the usual reasons — the promotion of Irish interests in the country and the provision of consular services for resident Irish nationals.

Has the Minister heard complaints in regard to the identity of the person appointed and the suggestion that such appointee should be of African origin if he is not an Irish person?

In many cases consular appointments are made from nationals other than Irish nationals. That is quite a common practice.

The Minister did not answer my question. As I have had certain representations made to me that the appointment in question was unfortunate, would the Minister be prepared to look at the matter further if I bring these representations to his notice?

If the Deputy has any information I should be glad to receive it and act on it.

The remaining Questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.