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

I thank Mr. Lajcák for his opening remarks. A number of members who would like to ask him questions. It was an interesting contribution. He covered quite a range of areas. I have one comment. I appreciate what he said about examining again at how membership could be developed and the interim stage idea. Perhaps it is something in the Irish way of thinking or whatever, but I always caution against a temporary solution.

Temporary solutions have a way of becoming very long term and could effectively result in a two-tier EU, which is I something I have reservations about. As Mr. Laják knows, both at Oireachtas and Government level, we have a strong commitment to enlargement and working to ensure that enlargement is carried out as effectively and speedily as possible. That is the premise of much of the work this committee has done. We have met representatives of many of the countries involved, including parliamentary and, in some instances, ministerial delegations, and have conveyed that message to them.

Our members have a number of questions for Mr. Laják.