The Department of Foreign Affairs has a further role to play in regard to the accession states. As a trading nation we export some 90% of what we produce and, in that context, the significance of an extra 100 million consumers coming into the European Union cannot be overestimated. I accept that the European Union is about more than trade and money but, essentially, this is part of its day to day operation. It is a trading bloc, but it is also much more. I applaud those private and State companies that have already taken the initiative to forge friendships and alliances in the accession states over the past number of years. Many Irish companies are increasingly involved in co-ownership and co-equity arrangements in a number of the accession countries. We should specifically engage our consular staff in this regard. I was in Italy earlier this week on Council of Europe business and was surprised to learn that traditionally the Italian diplomatic service did not sell Italy as it was not seen as its function. It was primarily a diplomatic and consular service. When Mr. Berlusconi became Prime Minister, he began to change that approach because of his business ethos. Italy and its opportunities are now presented in a much more proactive way.