Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Chairman and the ambassador for outlining the priorities of the Presidency. I wish Bulgaria well in its endeavours. It is a big undertaking. A comprehensive programme has been outlined, which the other member states will be happy to support.

I also welcome the ambassador's comments on Brexit. He obviously appreciates the position of Ireland with regard to the negotiations. Bulgaria's support in that regard is very welcome. I can understand why Bulgaria will give migration serious attention. It has a long land frontier with Turkey. I note also that the European Council meeting in Brussels in December failed to reach any agreement on these issues. I refer to the position in respect of mandatory quotas and reform of the Dublin Convention. A lot of work needs to be done. It is a big issue and Bulgaria could be quite central in trying to resolve these issues at EU level.

There was an article in The Irish Times, dated 2 January, by Daniel McLaughlin on how Bulgaria's EU Presidency will deflect attention from its domestic problems. It mentioned that Bulgaria will "nudge forward" the prospect of its neighbours in relation to accession, which is welcome, but also mentions a position regarding "rampant corruption, threats to press freedom" and comments made by the deputy prime minister on the Roma and asylum seekers. While this may be none of our business here, given that this article has appeared and is out there, the ambassador might like to comment on that and on what the Bulgarian Government is doing with regard to those issues.