asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of people, diplomats and staff, employed abroad in embassies and diplomatic missions; and the number of embassies and missions and their locations.

A total of 415 are employed in 40 missions and offices abroad. The locations are given in pages 154-61 of the State Directory for 1981.

14.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are any plans to reduce the numbers employed in embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.

The staffing level of our embassies and diplomatic missions is kept under continuous review in the light of our political, economic and other interests and having regard to the availability of the necessary resources of finance and personnel. In the context of the preparation of this year's estimates the previous Government had under consideration the closure of two offices. I am reviewing the matter and an announcement will be made in due course following consultation with the representatives of the relevant interests.

What were the two offices in question?

One was in Tehran and the other was the Consulate General in Hamburg.

(Limerick East): Is there an embargo on recruitment in the Minister's Department at the moment and does it apply to staff being recruited for embassies abroad?

I would need to have notice of that question. It is a separate question altogether.