Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will speak about Georgia's accession to the EU. This has come more to the fore with what we have seen of Russia's destructive acts in Ukraine. As we are aware, Georgia has already felt the brunt of Russia's forces in recent years. I strongly believe Georgia's accession should be dealt with in tandem with Ukraine's at present. Georgia has done quite a lot of work in this area. In 1996, it was part of the Interstate Oil and Gas Transportation to Europe, INOGATE, framework, which led to a five-year plan in 2006, so it is well along this road. Earlier this year, hurdles, if that is the right word, came from EU quarters but in the case of Ukraine, we seem to have unblocked every block there can be to speed up the process. I cannot see why Georgia cannot be dealt with in the same manner.

It is a relevant time to have a Minister in the Seanad to discuss the matter. It would be a good debate to have. As we know, we have many good friends in Georgia. I welcome the good work the Georgian ambassador to Ireland, H.E. George Zurabashvili, has done in this area. I call on the Leader to see if she can get the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, or the Minister of State at the Department, Deputy Brophy, to the House to discuss the current issue with us. It is to be hoped the EU will take Georgia's application in tandem with Ukraine. This is the right time to do it.