H. E. Mr. Mait Martinson:

All of the questions are very good. If I had no time limit, I could keep talking forever. Deputy Bernard Durkan asked about the extent to which we have embraced the Union. We have certainly seen a rather quick change in that Estonia became a member state during the boom years in the early part of the last decade. People questioned whether we should join at that time. We have learned through the turbulence which followed that embracing the core values gives us a voice around the table. It is up to oneself how one builds relationships and alliances with similar thinking partners from near and far. Fortunately, Ireland is not considered a faraway place for Estonia.

Regarding the digital economy, this is an issue on which the European Council is very much concentrating. I am pleased we have established a good link to different Irish players, be it through our dealings with the chief information officer appointed by the Irish Government or via other channels. We expect significant numbers at the forthcoming web summit and cyber security conference. It is an opportunity to show what we have experienced and to see what we can do together.

This takes me to Deputy Dara Murphy's question regarding bilateral engagement. At some point during the financial difficulties and cutbacks of recent years, the question arose as to whether we really need embassies. Do we need to travel to so many European capitals or would Brussels and Strasbourg do the job? By now, we know and understand that businesses get built up by having a cup of coffee with a counterpart, whether in Tallinn, Riga or Helsinki; by having lunch with fellows and seeing that, yes, we can do business with them which will benefit both sides.

As for the euro experience, it is good. People like it. Initially, yes, as for the price increases and taking of the exchange rate, some services-----