Ms Maria Walsh:

I thank the Senator. It is refreshing to hear how his education and his involvement in the European Committee of the Regions is coming forth in all of his work, particularly around Lithuania.On the point made by the Senator, it is a small country just like ours and it is built very similarly to ours. Europe is home to many Lithuanians, not just those living in the country itself but also those who live here and have contacted me regarding what the Senator just shared. I could not add any more to the remarks of Mr. Markey. It comes down to ensuring the buzzword "solidarity" is not just a buzzword. It is that the Commission and, in particular, the Council, are calling out these issue, that politics gets left at the door, and we are examining the issues, engaging with fundamental activists in human rights and ensuring communities are safe as a whole.

On the point made by Senator Mullen, there is a bigger conversation at play. The European People's Party, of which I am a member, is discussing and formulating a paper on our future relationship with China, which I will relay to Senators because it will be the blueprint for how we support further countries such as Lithuania and Ireland. I agree it is not just happening in one place; it is happening in many. Lithuania just happens to be the most recent example of it. From a committee base, we will discuss and debate it. We have done so at the Parliamentary Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, LIBE, and I will work to see if we can get some sort of independent report based on that and feed it in to the Seanad. That is what I can personally promise, as well as speaking to Commissioners and making sure that communication is felt and seen.

If the Leas-Chathaoirleach does not mind me going off topic, I offer Senator Ward comhghairdeas on his recent engagement. I am delighted he is keeping it in the Fine Gael family. I offer my congratulations.