Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome both of our guests and thank them for their presentations. One of the narratives we often hear in Ireland is that power in Europe is essentially held by Germany and strongly influenced by one or two other countries. As three of the smallest countries in Europe, as well as being on the periphery, there is an onus on Ireland, Estonia and Latvia to build strong relationships. Deputy Bernard Durkan is correct that the countries which engage most within Europe get the most from the Union. The public should be made more aware that the sum of the smaller countries working together can potentially significantly outweigh the power concentrated in one or two large ones. I hope our countries continue to develop a strong working relationship.

In regard to how Europe is perceived within the ambassadors' countries, Mr. Martinson indicated that the latest information indicates that support for membership in his country is running at 70% or thereabouts. Can Mr. Apals provide the same information for Latvia? I am aware that each country is at different stages of the process in terms of participation in the eurozone. Estonia came in at probably the worst time. Will Mr. Martinson indicate how it is working out? Mr. Apals might indicate the perception in Latvia as his country prepares to join the eurozone in January. Given that the euro has recovered much of its reputation, I am interested to know the view in both countries.

Will both ambassadors comment on the scope they see for us, as Irish parliamentarians, to facilitate the potential for greater bilateral trade between our country and theirs?