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

I welcome the ambassador to our meeting. Romania is taking over the Presidency at a very challenging time. Her Excellency Mrs. Breazu outlined some of the challenges in her reflection on the future of Europe, the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the European Parliament elections and the end of the legislative cycle. It is a busy time. I have no doubt the ambassador is more than fully aware of the concerns of Ireland with regard to the Brexit situation. It is evolving as we speak. Romania's support for the Irish position is greatly appreciated.

There was an article in The Irish Timeson 1 January about the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, voicing fears that Romania's fiery domestic disputes and populist politics would be unwanted distractions at a time when the bloc aims to show strength and unity over Brexit. Presumably, Her Excellency Mrs. Breazu would reject those sentiments allegedly attributed to Jean-Claude Juncker. I welcome Mrs. Breazu's views on the domestic political situation in Romania, the street protests and so forth. I do not want to strike a discordant note. Her Excellency Mrs. Breazu has our full support in her endeavours. As I say, it is a very challenging time.

Her Excellency Mrs. Breazu mentioned migration. I am interested to know the domestic views on migration in Romania. It is one of the biggest challenges facing the European Union. Different nation states have come to it with different perspectives. I am interested to know the Romanian perspective on migration and how it might be solved at European Council level in the coming months and the general view of Romania on the proposals to solve the issue.