H. E. Mr. Gints Apals:

Every country in the EU has its own pattern of migration.

In Ireland, the largest European immigrant population is Polish, followed by Lithuanians, with Latvians and Slovakians sharing the fourth position. What facilitated migration to Ireland was the economic boom ten years ago. Many jobs were available in this country at that time and foreign workers were very much in demand. Besides the economic factors, there are also cultural factors which make Ireland attractive, including the fact that Irish communities are very much open and welcoming to migrants. That facilitates migrants' lives here and allows them to put down roots.

At the same time, we recognise that some of the people who come to Ireland will stay here while others will return to Latvia or move to other European countries. Free movement within the Union is simply a reality. People from other countries might prefer other destinations within Europe. Ireland has offered quite favourable conditions for European migrants, which is appreciated by those who come here. Latvian people who come to this country learn from the Irish. My Government would expect some of them to return to Latvia sooner or later, bringing with them the experience they have gained in Ireland. Some of them will use that experience to start independent businesses at home or will employ their new skills to work in the Latvian economy.