H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet:

I know that from the Irish side, the deputy director general of Irish Aid participated in the support platform when it was set up in Berlin. I can follow up with my colleagues who are putting together a programme of action as is usual with aid works, and I may be able to give the Deputy more details.

On accession I agree that it is not an easy decision. We are realistic. However, there is a new environment in terms of security and in general in the world and especially in Europe. Now we need new political approaches, definitely. Decisions will probably be taken that will differ from what was the case before 24 February. The Joint Committee on European Union Affairs has such a crucial role in Ireland's voice as regards giving us candidate status.

I kindly ask the committee to consider it very carefully to help us to survive and to do our best in the future to become a fully fledged member of the EU. We do not ask for shortcuts. We just ask people to realise how critical the European perspective is for us. It is a long process and we will go through it as required, without shortcuts. We do not ask for them.