(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of the fact that for 12 years the European Commission has regularly organised short courses twice a year to provide EC member states, and in recent times also applicant countries, with Community back-up in the training of their young diplomats and that since 1980 the Commission has also organised once a year seminars for diplomats with about ten years' career experience who wish to learn more about the European Communities, if he will indicate the extent to which Irish diplomats have availed of these courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Our records show that since 1974, 23 Irish diplomatic officers attended the ‘Junior Diplomats' courses provided by the Commission. In general one, or more often two, officers are sent to each of the twice yearly courses. An officer was also sent to attend the "Career Diplomats" course in each of the years 1980, 1984 and 1985. Such familiarisation courses are useful to young officers. They supplement the knowledge that they get through their work.