John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

Marvellous strides have been made in Russia. During the Yeltsin years terrible mistakes were made and vast resources were sold off for a pittance. The entire gas resources of the Soviet Union, which account for approximately one third of world supply, as well as the country's steel industry were sold off for the price of a house on Shrewsbury Road.

While I recognise the difficulties the country has experienced during the transition to democracy, Russia is a democratic state and, like all democratic states, must overcome hurdles. Notwithstanding these difficulties, it is on the right path. I would welcome a debate on the accession states, including Ukraine and Turkey.