Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outstanding issues which are to be resolved by the Government of Romania in preparation for EU accession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34427/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The European Commission's final monitoring report on the state of Romania's preparedness for EU membership was released on 26 September. The report gives the European Commission's assessment on Romania's progress since May 2006. It confirms that they have made further progress with their preparations for membership and that they will be ready to join the European Union on 1 January 2007. However, the Commission's report also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern and makes it clear that it may take measures to ensure the proper functioning of the Union unless appropriate corrective action is taken.

The further monitoring envisaged in the Commission's report will serve to ensure that the pace of reform in Romania is maintained following its accession. In particular the Commission has set a number of benchmarks in the areas of judicial reform and the fight against corruption, money-laundering and organised crime where some progress has been made but further tangible results are needed. Other areas which have been identified for further scrutiny are the proper management of EU agricultural funds and food safety. Romania has been strongly encouraged to make proper use of the months before accession in order to address the remaining issues. The entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the EU will complete the Union's 5th enlargement that was made possible by the ending of the Cold War. Ireland looks forward to working with both countries in making a success of the enlarged Union of 27 members.