Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank members. I also thank Ms O'Connell and Mr. O'Shea. The engagement has been very helpful and informative. We will take the witnesses up on the suggestion to look at areas where we can work together. Our focus as a committee is to continue to look at the eastern front of Europe. We want to continue with our engagement with the Balkan countries. We had a representative of North Macedonia before us last week. We have learned a lot from our trip to Moldova and Romania. Peripherality is an issue. Many countries on the eastern side of Europe believe the region is getting attention now because of the war, which gives rise to the question of why the attention was not on it in the first place.

We could look at the inverse of that on the north-west coast of Ireland and the various percentages. In terms of peripherality, it is not just about having meetings in peripheral areas, although that is a big part of it. The witnesses held one of the four national meetings in Donegal town, which was a big deal. Core versus periphery is more than just a logical analysis; it is a feeling.

We will be happy to engage with EMI in our work, as we continue to work with the Balkans and with eastern Europe. If there is anything we can do in that space, especially to commemorate a significant landmark like the 50-year anniversary, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we will be happy to do it.

Gabhaim buíochas leis na finnéithe arís. Beimid i dteagmháil leo faoi achan rud sa spás seo. Guím gach rath orthu ina n-obair féin. Rinne siad sárobair leis an taighde agus an beartas atá bainte amach. Beimid ag caint leo amach anseo.