Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions being held at European Union level as to the further expansion of the EU25; the position in relation to the admittance of new entrants, with reference, particularly, to Romania and Bulgaria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19716/06]

Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the entry of Bulgaria to the European Union; when accession is likely to take place; the outstanding issues for resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19562/06]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the entry of Romania to the European Union; when accession is likely to take place; the outstanding issues for resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19563/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 128 and 138 together.

The forthcoming accession of Bulgaria and Romania will mark the completion of the Union's 5th enlargement — increasing its membership from 15 to 27 Member States.

This has been by far its biggest, most ambitious and most important enlargement to date. A further expansion of such magnitude is not on the horizon, although the EU does have accession negotiations underway with Turkey and Croatia and has made commitments to the countries of the Western Balkans, which gives them a prospect of eventual membership.

Ireland participated in the first enlargement of the EU in 1973 and the benefits we have derived from membership are beyond doubt. Similarly, each successive enlargement has proved its worth, both for the existing and new Member States. The fact that so many other countries now wish to join testifies to the success of the enlarged Union.

Nevertheless, an important debate is underway with the Union with regard to future enlargement strategy. If EU membership is to be further extended, the Union will need to ensure that it has the economic, political and institutional capacity to make this possible. It will be important to listen to the concerns of EU citizens and offer them a clear and realistic strategy for future enlargement.

The immediate priority should be to make a success of the enlarged Union of 25. The Union's objective is to welcome Bulgaria and Romania as members on 1 January 2007. The EU could, however, postpone the accession of either or both countries for up to one year if the Commission considers that either country would be unprepared to meet the requirements of membership in 2007.

On 16 May 2006, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn presented the Commission's Comprehensive Monitoring Report on Bulgaria and Romania to the European Parliament. He confirmed that their accession on 1 January 2007 remains an achievable goal for both countries. They need to make progress in addressing the outstanding issues highlighted in the monitoring report and the Commission and the Member States will continue to monitor their progress in the coming months. A final decision on the date of accession will be taken in light of the Commission's next monitoring report in October.

Since the Commission's previous monitoring report in October 2005, both countries have significantly reduced the number of issues that need to be addressed before accession. Some of the problem areas that remain are common to both countries, particularly in relation to putting in place the necessary arrangement for the disbursement of EU funds. In the agricultural area, both countries need to set up a proper, integrated administration and control system.

While both countries need to sustain their efforts in reforming the judiciary and fighting corruption, Bulgaria has been urged to devote special attention to this area. According to the Commission, Bulgaria needs to show tangible results in investigating and prosecuting organised crime networks, in the more efficient and systematic implementation of laws for the fight against fraud and corruption and in the enforcement of anti-money laundering provisions.

Ireland believes that both Bulgaria and Romania need to make full use of the time available to address the remaining issues so that they can join the Union, as planned, on 1 January 2007. Both countries benefit from the Department of Foreign Affairs' Bilateral Assistance Programme, which provides support for new Member States, acceding and candidate countries in coping with the considerable challenges of EU membership. Ireland very much looks forward to working with both countries as partners in a successful Union of 27 Member States.