H.E. Mr. Qirjako Qirko:

I again thank the committee for this opportunity to listen to our ambition to one day become part of the family. The number of Albanians in Ireland has increased to about 2,000. We have worked very closely with Irish authorities to avoid even illegal immigration. Why are people from my country interested to come to Ireland? It is because nobody feels like a foreigner or an outsider in this country. It is welcoming. There are no racist prejudices here. I do not want to justify someone trying to come here illegally.

For this specific meeting I would like to thank the committee again. I repeat that Albania is always grateful to this country for its continuous unconditional support. I know that I have repeated this three times, but it is important because Ireland may be the only country or one of very countries in the European Union that have reacted so positively to our ambition.