Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is monitoring political developments in Ukraine; his contacts in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38647/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The collapse of Ukraine's governing coalition in September and the calling in October of the third parliamentary elections in three years are matters of concern. However, Ukraine is a young democracy and has already travelled a great distance in terms of reform, though clearly further reforms are necessary, including clarifying the roles of the President and the government.

The current governmental difficulties have come at a bad time given the present world financial crisis. At the same time, I was encouraged by the fact that all sides buried their political differences in order to ensure the passing of vital legislation last week which will allow Ukraine to receive a $16.5 billion IMF loan to maintain its economic and financial stability.

At the 9th September EU-Ukraine Summit, the EU reiterated its support for Ukraine's reform efforts and made clear its determination to complete negotiations on a new EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. In the meantime, the EU continues to work with Ukraine on its reform programme, and is exploring ways to further develop links with that country.

Finally I should say that I hope to be able to meet with my Ukrainian colleague in the period ahead to discuss bilateral and international issues.