Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have concluded the round of questions. I will conclude with some remarks rather than questions. First, it is important to place on record again the incredible work the Moldovan Government and people are doing in dealing with welcoming the influx of people from Ukraine. The ambassador stated they are brothers, sisters and neighbours of Moldovans. It is important for us to recognise the strains and difficulties a country of our size that is quite prosperous and wealthy has seen in doing so. Therefore, particular credit is due to the ambassador's country and people for the manner in which they have accepted almost the same number of people as we have. I know how difficult that can be. As I stated earlier, I had the opportunity to visit, not only the capital, but different parts of Moldova. It is a fabulous country.

It is a country that is, from what the ambassador has said here today, as well as from the previous engagements she has had, doing everything on that accession path to meet those Copenhagen criteria.

Deputy Howlin and, I believe, Deputy Ó Murchú referred to the importance of us supporting that because there is a lot of learning from what we went through as a country. This is not just in terms of the eventual outcome but in terms of the steps along the road. It can be quite difficult for a country to adjust to what is required to meet not just the criteria but the spirit and the overall situation of becoming an accession country and then becoming a member state.

Every country that has joined the EEC, the European Union or any other version of it since its inception, has had to go on a journey. It is very important that the existing member states are reaching out and showing that willingness. Certainly in Ireland, we are very supportive and we will continue to be supportive in what we can do to help Moldova and the other accession countries to develop that greater EU, which will be the bedrock of future European security in this century.

I would like to conclude by thanking the ambassador for coming in today. I thank her for the breadth, depth and length of the engagement she has given our committee. As there are no additional, final comments, I will say "Thank you very much" and we will conclude our meeting.