Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Apals. I have a soft spot for my Latvian colleagues as we have much in common. We have endured a terrible economic crisis. I understand the crisis in Latvia was even more difficult than the one here, and the ambassador has our sympathy. Like Ireland, Latvia has successfully turned an economic corner, and growth this year is estimated to be 5%, which is remarkable.

Approximately 25,000 Latvians live in Ireland. They are all hard working and very welcome. They add a nice diversity to our culture. I wish Latvia well because this is its first Presidency and I have no doubt it will make a success of it. This year is of crucial international importance and Dr. Apals has touched on some of the reasons for this. Given Latvia's history, and that of its neighbours, Estonia and Lithuania, it is possessed with great understanding of the region and the Russian Federation, which has us rather concerned. Given their history, Russian is widely spoken in the three countries. We are now seeing the disastrous effects of the difficulties which have been unfolding in Ukraine over a long period. We have another crisis as the ceasefires have collapsed and Luhansk is in very serious turmoil. Perhaps the Russians have reintroduced their troops to fight against the Ukrainian armed forces.

The EU has a new high representative for foreign affairs. I heard her speak in Dublin Castle and I was deeply impressed by her contribution. I was also impressed by her contribution when we met her in private. Does Dr. Apals agree with her scenario that Russia is a problem, but Russia as a problem is part of the solution?

Will Dr. Apals assure me that the Latvian Presidency will engage with Russia and that Europe might learn some lessons from the collapse in the eastern partnerships with Armenia initially and subsequently Ukraine? Our relationship with the latter has resulted in some disaffection in the east.

I support the comments on the digital Europe issue. The Estonian Prime Minister is an expert in digital content. Estonia is to the fore in terms of digital media.