Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding diplomatic relations between Ireland and Transnistria; the plans and intentions for diplomatic relations with Transnistria from both the Irish and European level; the proposals, if any, to provide post-conflict assistance to the people of Transnistria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36191/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Transnistria is an area of the Republic of Moldova between the Dniester/Nistru River and the Ukrainian border inhabited mainly by Russian and Ukrainian speakers. In the course of the break-up of the Soviet Union, it unilaterally declared independence from the Republic of Moldova, due mainly to fears over a possible reunification of Moldova with Romania. Transnistria's independence has not been recognised by any member of the United Nations and, consequently, Ireland does not have diplomatic relations with Transnistria, nor are there any plans to establish diplomatic relations. This is also the case for other EU member states.

Ireland recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and supports the efforts of the Government of Moldova and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to resolve the conflict in Transnistria. Ireland will assume the Chairmanship in Office of the OSCE in 2012 and will carry forward efforts to resolve the conflict in Transnistria, in the event that no progress has been achieved in the meantime. Transnistria is not currently receiving any post conflict assistance from Ireland. A request for assistance would only be considered in the context of a comprehensive resolution of the conflict.