The Labour Party has voted against a motion at its annual conference to reopen the Vatican embassy. The motion on the third and final day of the conference was proposed by the Bobby Burke Branch in Tuam.
Sean Canniffe said the Vatican was an important crossroads on a number of international issues of relevance to Ireland.
He said Ireland was opting out of a very important international organisation.
The economic argument was debunked, he said, by the fact that the embassy was the 49th most expensive out of 69 embassies.
Labour TD Michael McNamara said it was not a case of Ireland rejecting the Vatican.
Mr McNamara said the authorities there had indicated it was unwilling to accept a suggestion that the Italian and Vatican embassies share the Villa Spada, which is owned by the State.
He said diplomatic relations were being maintained at the highest level.
Minister of State Joe Costello said the idea would be explored further with the Vatican authorities. He suggested that the motion be referred back to the central committee.
Gerry Kerr opposed the motion saying the embassy should stay closed until the Vatican cooperates fully with Irish inquiries into the sexual abuse of children.
The vote to refer the motion back to central committee was rejected and a vote on reopening the embassy was also rejected.