Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Mrs. Bojadjieska Ristovski for her presentation and her presence. I appreciate that coming over from London is not the easiest thing to do with such a busy schedule. It is much appreciated. This is a worthwhile engagement and I am grateful to the Chairman for organising it.

I was struck by the commitment, of which we are all supportive, made by the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, on behalf of the Government to the future accession of North Macedonia. It is one thing for the Government to say it but an opinion poll released by European Movement Ireland yesterday showed massive public support for the enlargement of the European Union to include the accession of countries such as North Macedonia. Ireland has been consistent in wanting a growing European Union. Just because we have lost one member state does not mean we cannot bring in at least three if not a half a dozen others in the coming years.

Mrs. Bojadjieska Ristovski mentioned the assimilation of North Macedonia into the structures of NATO. Will she detail what that process involved and the level of engagement North Macedonia has with NATO? I would appreciate it if she could outline North Macedonia's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Has it implemented a sanctions regime? Has it taken any other actions to support the people of Ukraine against this vicious assault?