Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 78: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his approach to enlargement discussions at EU Council level. [12094/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The first meeting abroad which I attended since taking up the role of Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs was the informal Foreign Ministers' meeting in Gödöllo in Hungary on 11-12 March. The candidate countries attended for part of these discussions and the occasion was a welcome opportunity to meet a number from that group which comprises Turkey, Iceland, Croatia, Montenegro and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The Council last debated the overall situation on enlargement in December 2010 and adopted conclusions, endorsed by the European Council, which guide the continuing work in this area and with which I am in full agreement. The most recent discussion on an individual accession process was at the General Affairs Council on 23 May attended by Minister of State Creighton. The discussion was informal and focussed on the few remaining open areas in the Croatian negotiations. Some work remains to be done, in light of a Commission assessment, but the process has made very substantial progress. The European Council in June is expected to consider Croatia's accession process.

My approach, and this Government's approach, to EU enlargement is a positive one. In addition to being a beneficiary of a previous enlargement ourselves, we have seen how the enlargements of recent years have secured democracy and stability in Europe in addition to bolstering trade and promoting prosperity.

Membership of the Union continues to be something to which many of the EU's neighbours aspire. The prospect of membership encourages candidate countries to achieve economic and political reforms and to strengthen their democratic values. However, the very stability and prosperity which attract others can only be maintained by ensuring an accession process for prospective members which applies strict conditionality and criteria. Accession to the EU requires challenging reforms and great political commitment. These are necessary to ensure that the credibility of the process is protected. I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to play an active role in discussions on the issue, both at Council meetings and in bilateral discussions with existing and aspirant member states.