As the Minister is moving away from the arrangement of departmental policy rather than the principle Israel, which is a democratic country, should be allowed to open an embassy here now.

We are getting into some detail now.

That is a separate question but I shall not dodge it. The Deputy is very well aware that that is under continuing consideration. I saw the Israeli Ambassador in London only the other week on that issue.

Is he the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland.

He is the Ambassador to Ireland and Britain. He was in Dublin but he lives in London. I discussed this aspect with him and he appreciates all the difficulties involved. As the Deputy is aware this is not a simple matter.