Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 188: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding Ireland's relations with Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12111/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In recognition of the Ukrainian people's choice of democracy and reform in the Presidential elections of late 2004, Ireland took steps to strengthen bilateral links through increased contact at political level with Ukraine. My visit to Kiev in July 2005 and then Foreign Minister Tarasyuk's return visit to Dublin in February 2006 were the first official bilateral visits at Foreign Minister level between our two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations fifteen years ago. The Ceann Comhairle and six members of the Oireachtas also visited Ukraine in October 2005 and were received at the highest level; an invitation has been extended to the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament to make a return visit to Ireland in October.

Ukraine's Parliamentary elections in March 2006 consolidated the earlier democratic breakthrough. A new government was established in August 2006. However, disputes centred on the relative powers of the President and the Prime Minister have persisted. The uncertain political situation in Ukraine has caused some unavoidable loss of momentum in bilateral relations. Nevertheless, the procedure for periodic political consultations between my Department and the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry agreed during my visit to Kiev was initiated with a high-level meeting last October.

From a low base, the value of trade in goods and services between Ireland and Ukraine rose from €59.2 million in 2004 to €96.3 million in 2005 and this trend is expected to continue. In June 2006, Minister of State Michael Ahern T.D. led Enterprise Ireland's first Trade Mission to Ukraine. 21 Irish companies and organisations participated and a further trade mission is planned later this year. There have been a number of significant Irish investments in Ukraine, suggesting that Irish business is becoming more aware of commercial opportunities there.

Ireland has contributed to a number of development projects in Ukraine. In particular, we are assisting in the area of administrative capacity building and would intend to continue to support Ukraine's reform process to the degree possible. Ireland is also an active participant in the elaboration of EU policy to support Ukraine in the work of consolidating democracy and implementing economic reform under the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan. In this regard, negotiations recently got under way on an enhanced agreement between the EU and Ukraine.