Statement by Minister for Finance and Fine Gael TD for Dublin Central, Paschal Donohoe

I note the publication by the Department of Foreign Affairs of documents regarding the appointment of a Special Envoy for Freedom of Opinion and Expression.

The records contain a reference to me in messages between Minister Coveney and Katherine Zappone. I believe it is important to give context to those messages.

At the end of last year Katherine sought my advice regarding a future in the UN and other international organisations. I suggested she contact Minister Coveney for advice. At some point in the New Year I mentioned this potential contact to Minister Coveney.

I had no further engagement with Minister Coveney on the matter.