Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In respect of Deputy Bruton's question, at the December European Council meeting it was decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and to grant candidate status to Georgia. There was a clear signal to open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ukraine is proceeding rapidly and various timelines have been given. As for 2027 that would be very fast and that is the Ukranian perspective. However, it is moving at pace and we will see steady progress with respect to Ukraine.

On Georgia, yes granting candidate status was significant. Georgia does need to do reforms. I met the foreign minister and there is work to be done there. As for Deputy McHugh's question about the embassy it is my view that we need to create a stronger footprint in the neighbourhood, both in the western Balkans in particular and in the eastern neighbourhood. Yes, I would favour - over time - having resident embassies.

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