H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet:

I agree with Dr. tefan's sentiments about this committee, which so quickly responded to the meeting we held here. In just a few days, I heard that the Chairman and members decided quickly to visit Moldova, Palanca and many other places. They now know what they talking about, having seen the reality. I was personally touched but the visit was appreciated by the entire country. We have just started our parliamentary connections. The committee delegation was probably the first group of parliamentarians to visit Moldova so that was also very important and touching.

Deputy Howlin was correct about developments in Odessa. Yesterday a bridge connecting the south of Ukraine, near Odessa, with Moldova was destroyed. Therefore, Palanca, which the delegation visited, is now the only crossing point for people from Odessa if they need to flee to Moldova. It is very narrow and has not been adjusted for thousands of people. We are trying to manage the situation today but also to evaluate what might happen. We pray it will not be needed.

Cash enrolment is probably the most useful and appreciated assistance in the country. I will give some information to compare with the kind of help given by Ireland. It is very different. We give 2,000 leu monthly, which is €100, to refugees. To people who are hosting refugees, we provide 3,500 leu, more than €150, which is not very much. Previously, people helped out without any kind of cash support.

I am very grateful that Deputy Howlin raised the issue of markets. We are working very closely to open new markets for our products. Some Moldovan products are already available in Ireland. We are looking to enhance that. That is my job but because of the Covid pandemic, I was not able to do much in this area. I am sure that with the support of this committee and other committees that are more focused on commerce, I will be able to do further work on that issue.