The fifth enlargement of the EU, which was facilitated by the framework agreed at Nice, offers many benefits for Ireland. We stand to gain enormously from the opportunities of an enlarged common market. Since we export 90% of our goods, we need to be in a position to penetrate new markets to maintain the ability to expand. Our trade with the applicant states has grown sixfold since 1993 and can only grow further as the rate of GDP improves in these states with membership of the EU.