asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Russian staff in their embassy in this country; and the official capacity of each staff member.

The number of Soviet citizens in the embassy of the Soviet Union in Dublin at present is 17. This is the maximum number agreed between our two countries when diplomatic relations were established in 1974. Of these, six are diplomatic officers, three are administrative and technical staff, and eight are service staff.

In view of the volume of trade we conduct with Russia does the Minister consider that this large staff is necessary? Is he satisfied that their activities are in line with the terms of the decisions outlined to him?

There is nothing in my brief to suggest that I should not be satisfied with them. It is not the largest embassy we have. There are three embassies larger than this one.

What is the extent of the staff in our embassy in Moscow?

There are seven Irish citizens employed in Moscow and this includes a man from Córas Tráchtála who is notified in the diplomatic list as commercial attache. The other six are the ambassador, first secretary, third secretary, administrative attache and two clerical assistants. There are nine Russian staff employed in Moscow, one telepohonist/receptionist, two messenger/drivers, one maintenance man, one gardener, two cleaners and two domestics.

It would be interesting to know what the extra Russians are doing here.

I understand the Russians brought their own domestic staff to Dublin.

Does the number include the representatives of all Soviet state organisations such as trading organisations?

I do not think so.

Would it be correct to say that the answer given by the Minister does not convey the full picture of the total number of Soviet state employees in the embassy here.

I have answered the question that was put to me. I understand Aeroflot have people in Limerick. If at some stage the Deputy wants to know the total number I can get that information for him.