Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the ambassador here this evening. I thank her for outlining the priorities of the Estonian Presidency, which are very realistic, achievable and will prove beneficial to the European Union as a whole.

I note the new Franco-German dynamic at the heart of Europe with the election of President Macron in France. There is a dynamic for a multi-speed Europe and maybe further integration. It is important that small nation states work together in the debate. I know that we can do that with Estonia as we come to terms and develop new policies on the future of Europe.

Brexit will affect Ireland more than any other country in the EU. I want the ambassador to assure us that her Government is aware of the problems that we are facing. We may call on Estonia's support, at some stage in the future, as negotiations conclude in terms of the particular difficulties that affect Ireland.

In terms of the future of Europe, we have had the Brexit referendum, the election of Donal Trump and there has been a rise in protectionism around the world.

How does support currently stand in Estonia for the European Union and for NATO? The trend towards populism, protectionism and anti-globalisation is being reversed in the wake of these recent shocks. Where does Estonia stand with regard to that trend? Is there wholehearted support for the European Union project?