§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the cost of protecting the British Embassy in Dublin and its personnel.
§ Mr. HurdUnder the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations the Government of the Irish Republic have a responsibility to take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on the British Embassy in Dublin and its personnel. The Government of the Irish Republic accept this responsibility and meet the cost of their protective measures.
In addition we have over a period of years considerably strengthened the physical security of the Embassy. The total cost of this is not, however, readily available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.