The Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, who in the past represented the Holy See in many international development forums, has today welcomed the news that the Government is to re-open the Irish Embassy to the Vatican. Archbishop Martin, said re-opening the Embassy on a smaller scale was a very constructive exercise.

He acknowledged that the Government had remained committed to the re-opening of the Embassy when the economic situation allowed and expressed his appreciation to Mr David Cooney, who  acted as a non-resident Ambassador to the Holy See in the intervening period. 

Archbishop Martin said that Pope Francis, from the outset of his pontificate, has dedicated himself to being a strong voice for fighting poverty. The Archbishop said the Vatican remains an important place of interchange on questions of global development and he added that a resident Irish Ambassador will enhance relations between the Vatican and Ireland.