Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the re-run and outcome of the Ukrainian Presidential election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2784/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans any initiatives to support the President elect in the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2752/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on Ukraine's ambitions to achieve EU membership in view of the enormous transitions brought about in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2642/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans initiatives to support the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3126/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 123, 154 and 242 together.

I take this opportunity to offer President Yushchenko and his incoming administration our sincere congratulations and to wish them every success for the challenges ahead. The people and leaders of Ukraine deserve particular praise for having achieved a peaceful outcome to the recent political crisis.

I am very encouraged that the conduct of the re-run of the second round of presidential elections held on 26 December brought Ukraine substantially closer to meeting OSCE and Council of Europe standards. The recent events and the conduct of the final ballot clearly demonstrate the deep attachment of the Ukrainian people to democracy and fundamental freedoms. Through their actions to protect democracy, the Ukrainian people have shown the world that their European vocation is based on values that are shared by European states and citizens.

Ukraine is a European country and a key partner of the European Union. The European Union must respond appropriately to the ambitions of Ukraine for systemic political and economic reform. In particular, we will need to build the capacity of Ukraine to make full use of the opportunities offered under the European neighbourhood policy action plan. Within that context, a number of ideas have been put forward which will be examined with a view to discussions at the February GAERC. These include ideas for deepening trade and economic relations, co-operation in the area of foreign and security policy and assistance in the field of democracy and the rule of law. These are very concrete measures which, if implemented fully, will considerably advance the process of economic integration and enhanced political co-operation with the European Union.

As a European country, Ukraine has the right, under the Treaty on European Union, to apply for membership of the Union if it respects the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. It is for the people of Ukraine to determine whether they wish to live by these principles and to put in place the political and economic reforms which would enable them to meet the criteria for actual membership.

For the present, it makes sense for the Union to recognise Ukraine as a neighbour in Europe and to seek to develop relations through the action plan established under the European neighbourhood policy.

As the relationship between Ukraine and the European Union strengthens, so too will the relationship with Ireland. We have enjoyed friendly bilateral ties with Ukraine since its independence and we fully intend to build a good working relationship with the new administration. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, attended the inauguration of President Yuschenko and I hope to meet with my Ukrainian counterpart in Kiev fairly shortly. During future contacts we will look at ways in which we can boost bilateral trade and at ideas for building the capacity of Ukrainian institutions to take full advantage of the opportunities offered under the action plan.

Ireland and our European Union partners will work closely with Ukraine in the coming years to help deliver the prosperity and democratic freedoms that the people of Ukraine so clearly want.