I remind members to switch off their mobile telephones, for various reasons. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Mrs. Benisheva, Bulgarian Ambassador to Ireland, to discuss Bulgaria's progress towards EU accession. The normal procedure is for the Ambassador to make a short presentation and then we will have a question and answer session.
EU Enlargement: Presentation.
Mrs. Bisserka Benisheva
Mr. Chairman, honourable members of the Joint Committee on European Affairs, it is a great honour for me to present my country today as a future partner in the European Union. Two years ago on 1 May 2004 Ireland, holding the Presidency of the European Union, welcomed ten new member states from central and eastern Europe, Cyprus and Malta. This biggest ever enlargement of the European Union was designed to put an end to divisions from the past and to bring peace and prosperity in Europe. The forthcoming accession of Bulgaria and Romania constitutes an integral part of the same project, which has been implemented in two stages. In reasoning to the point that we belong to the same, fifth round of enlargement, I wish to briefly recall the track record of Bulgaria's relationship with the European Union.
The European Union Association Agreement was signed in 1993 and provided for the establishment of an enhanced political dialogue, strengthened co-operation and progressive liberalisation of trade leading to a free trade zone. Like the other European Union Association Agreement countries from central and eastern Europe, Bulgaria deposited its application for membership in 1995 following the decisions taken by the Copenhagen European Council to the effect that countries from central and eastern Europe that so desire might become members of the Union, provided they meet the necessary criteria. In 1997 the European Union decided to launch the fifth enlargement as a comprehensive, inclusive and irreversible process, at that time comprising 12 applicant countries. Accession negotiations with Bulgaria, along with six other candidates, commenced in February 2000. In April 2003 on the occasion of the signature of the Accession Treaty with the ten new member states the Union adopted the "One Europe" Declaration confirming that the fifth enlargement would be complete only when Bulgaria and Romania join the Union. The principles guiding the process from the very beginning will continue to apply until their accession. In May 2004 during the Irish Presidency, the Union welcomed ten new members. In December 2004 the Union decided to complete negotiations with Bulgaria and Romania. The Accession Treaty was signed in April 2005. The fifth enlargement is to be completed in 2007, ten years after its start, with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania.
Against this background we wish to reiterate the point that our accession to the Union is not another round of enlargement. It is a part of the same political project of reuniting Europe on the basis of shared values. Bulgaria, like the other countries from central and eastern Europe faced the double challenge of political and economic transformation alongside preparation to assume the obligations of membership. In the course of 11 years since its application, Bulgaria has been vigorously implementing reforms in order to meet membership criteria, including, transforming the institutions to guarantee democracy, rule of law, protection of human rights and rights of minorities, transforming the economy and improving its capacity to cope with market forces within the Union, transposing and implementing the Community Acquis to prepare for participation in the Union’s policies.
The Bulgarian journey to the European Union was not an easy one.
In our pursuit to conform with membership criteria we had to take some difficult and unpopular decisions such as reducing capacity in the steel sector to comply with state aid rules. In the energy sector, to comply with nuclear safety requirements, we undertook to comply fully with the environmental acquis and allocated investment resources to meet the requirements.
On CFSP matters Bulgaria has consistently aligned its position with that of the Union thus contributing before accession to its political weight as a global player. With its active policy for developing regional co-operation in south-eastern Europe, Bulgaria de facto contributes to the objective of further enhancing and consolidating the stabilising role of the Union in the region. This role will be definitively affirmed with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania.
During these years we were not alone in our efforts to prepare for accession — we have been constantly guided and assisted by the Union. In this respect the pre-accession financial aid extended under the PHARE, ISPA and SAPARD programmes proved a valuable instrument of support.
We are grateful for the bilateral assistance extended by Ireland, sharing with us best practices and experience on how to deal with the challenges of membership. In the course of 2005, technical assistance has been granted to Bulgaria in the following areas: debt management, renewable energy, information and communications technology, milk quota management and on how to participate in the decision-making process. Irish consultants continue to provide assistance on the ground in Bulgaria, for example, on financial management and control of structural funds. We look on Ireland as a role model, in particular the way in which Ireland benefited from membership.
Bulgaria is determined to accomplish the goal of assuming the obligations of EU membership on 1 January 2007. Since the signature of the Treaty of Accession in April 2005 all efforts have been concentrated on completing the reforms and delivering on commitments. The European Commission, in its comprehensive monitoring report of October last year, identified the areas in which further action is needed. Another report is due on 16 May and yet another in October this year.
The enhanced monitoring provided the framework for a regular dialogue between the Bulgarian authorities and our partners in a joint effort to make accession a success. To illustrate the intensity of this dialogue, between January and today, 20 peer reviews and 55 expert missions to Bulgaria have been organised.
Following the findings and recommendations identified in the reports, Bulgaria is making a determined effort to address remaining challenges. Particular attention is being devoted to the areas of judicial reform, the reform strategy launched in 2001 is in its fifth year of implementation, and enhanced efforts are devoted to improving the functioning of the judicial system. The national assembly recently adopted by qualified majority amendments to the Bulgarian Constitution. These amendments aim to improve the operation of the judiciary and of investigation at the pre-trial stage as well as the establishment of a more accountable judiciary.
On the basis of the constitutional changes, amendments to the legislation on the judiciary are under consideration to ensure an improved system of appointments and career development of magistrates. Other legislation has been adopted to improve the legal base for implementation of reforms and enhance the efficiency of combatting crime and corruption. For example, the new criminal procedure code will be enforced on the basis of the constitutional amendment.
A new ministry of state administration and administrative reform has been established with responsibility for the modernisation and organisational development of state administration. The legislation on administration and on civil servants has been amended to enhance accountability, reliability and predictability in the work of the state administration. The adoption of the administrative procedure code is expected to boost the strengthening of the overall capacity of the public administration and to impact in a positive manner on the administrative service as one of the strategic goals of the administrative reform.
In a transition time, vulnerable groups in society suffer most. The Bulgarian Government admits that additional efforts are needed to promote full integration of people with disabilities into society, especially by improving access to public areas, buildings and transport as well as educational and labour services. Particular attention is needed to improve conditions in orphanages, hospitals and homes for people with mental disabilities. Measures are being taken for transferring persons with disabilities from specialized institutions to community-based social services. A number of activities are envisaged under the national programme for child protection concerning the protection of children from violence and abuse and to guarantee equal access to quality education. We are appreciative of the assistance rendered by Irish NGOs. For 2005 financial assistance for 17 different projects to the amount of €100,000 has been granted.
Concerning the integration of ethnic minorities, the Bulgarian Government is speeding up the implementation of the framework programme for equal integration of Roma in Bulgarian society. Co-ordinated measures are being taken by central and regional authorities and NGOs for integration of ethnic minorities in the fields of education, employment, health care and housing. The Bulgarian Government recently approved a national programme for the improvement of Roma housing conditions.
The economic transformation was a notable success in meeting membership criteria. Bulgaria maintained a high degree of macro-economic stability, with strong economic growth in the range of 5% to 6%. The estimate for 2005 indicates an increase of 5.6% in GDP. Bulgaria also experienced a low inflation rate, a balanced budget and falling unemployment. The currency board arrangement pegging the national currency to the euro will be maintained until accession to the eurozone. As with the other countries from the fifth enlargement Bulgaria committed to participate in economic and monetary union from the date of accession as a member state with a derogation.
Structural reforms have been further deepened in all areas and are broadly in line with key objectives of the Lisbon Agenda. The main share of value added, 51%, is generated by the services sector, followed by the industrial sector. The share of agriculture is diminishing and according to latest statistical data agriculture accounts for 9.4% of GDP.
The level of economic integration with the EU is high. Statistical data for 2005 revealed that the EU 25 account for 56.5% of total exports and for almost 50% of total Bulgarian imports. Bilateral trade with Ireland is expanding, with imports to Bulgaria substantially outpacing our exports to Ireland. Foreign direct investment coming from the EU 25 accounts for 77% of total foreign direct investment in 2005. Irish outward investment to Bulgaria gradually increased over recent years and as at the end of 2005 Ireland ranks 16th in the list of 32 major investor countries.
These results have been acknowledged by our partners as indicative of the successful transformation of the Bulgarian economy in meeting the membership economic criteria, particularly in strengthening the capacity of the Bulgarian economy to cope with competitive pressure upon accession. In the national context the achievements indicate that economic reforms are beginning to pay off. In line with the strong economic expansion and further to the active labour market policy, the employment situation continues to improve. These developments give ground to expect gradual reversal of migration flows in the way in which inward migration gained pace in Ireland.
Preparing for accession to the EU proved to be a very demanding task. We admit that additional efforts and resources are needed to implement the commitments and requirements of membership fully, in particular in such areas as the protection of the environment, security of energy supply, and the development of trans-European transport networks, for which high levels of investment are needed. That will be the main focus of attention under the Structural and Cohesion Funds after accession.
I will say a few words about the regional dimension of accession. Over the years, Bulgaria has been an active proponent of stability in south-eastern Europe. We enjoy good neighbourly relations with all countries and actively participate in initiatives for regional co-operation. In particular, I wish to single out the process of co-operation in south-eastern Europe, an initiative aimed at enhancing political dialogue and economic links among countries. The various formats of meetings allow the comprehensive exchange of views in matters of common interest in the region. We expect that at tomorrow's meeting of the prime ministers of the countries of south-eastern Europe, a decision will be taken for Bulgaria to take the rotating presidency from April 2007. One hopes that by that time, in addition to Greece, there will be two more EU member states participating in the regional initiative.
Regional co-operation contributes to establishing a climate of confidence and facilitates dialogue to find lasting solutions to unresolved issues affecting all countries in the region. We are also convinced that regional co-operation, particularly those initiatives emanating from the region itself, are an important asset to the Thessaloniki Agenda launched by the Union.
For Bulgaria, the last decade has been dominated by political and economic reforms inspired by the objective of joining the Union and becoming part of its major political project, expanding the area of peace, stability and prosperity in Europe. Over the years, the political will to be yet another champion of that project has remained intact. In some cases, the reforms have been costly and painful for Bulgarian citizens. Nevertheless, accession to the Union continues to enjoy a high level of support in Bulgarian society, at approximately 70%.
It is our humble belief that the accession of Bulgaria and Romania will present potential benefits for the existing member states by spreading stability and prosperity to an additional 30 million people in eastern Europe, providing greater EU prominence in world affairs, enriching the Union's cultural diversity and fuelling economic growth.
I am confident that Ireland, having been part of the first enlargement of the European Community, will be willing to extend similar opportunities to the people of the two new member states. The unveiling of the monument Convergence on 1 May 2006 to mark the second anniversary of the Day of Welcomes testifies to that conviction. I am also confident that existing links between Bulgaria and Ireland will be further enhanced by our partnership as members of the European Union.
I thank members for their attention.
I thank the ambassador for a very comprehensive review. It is clear that Irish-Bulgarian relations have developed very significantly in recent years. Bulgaria has made enormous progress, something not ignored by Irish investors. We all know that many of them are buying property in Bulgaria, being much attracted by tourism in the country.
In her work, has the ambassador come across any Irish citizens who have had difficulties in that regard? I know there is a double taxation agreement between the two countries and that we have opened an embassy in Sofia. Presumably, most problems can be dealt with in Bulgaria.
The second issue relates to access to the Irish labour market for Bulgarian workers. Is the ambassador concerned about the date of accession being pushed back, which is an option? What might its negative consequences be, if any? What is the general attitude in Bulgaria to membership? Does the ambassador think there will be a large movement of workers westwards? Are many Bulgarians aware of Ireland and will they be attracted to it? This committee has discussed on many occasions the fact that in the next ten years Ireland will be competing for overseas workers.
Bulgaria has a 480-strong battalion in Iraq. Has its participation had any impact on its relations with other member states?
Mrs. Benisheva
We have not encountered any problems for Irish citizens participating in the real estate market in Bulgaria. There has been a lot of investment in Bulgaria by ordinary citizens in real estate.
With regard to access to the labour market, that is, the flow of Bulgarian citizens to Ireland, the Bulgarian community here is not very large but is well integrated. As the accession date is very close, we are doing surveys at home to find out the attitude towards migration of Bulgarian citizens. According to the latest survey by Gallup International held in February, among Bulgarians of working age there has been a decline in emigration intentions in the past six years. The portion of Bulgarian nationals intending to emigrate in the term or short term fell from 30% in 2000 to 7% in 2006. The survey shows that the motivation for Bulgarian citizens to go abroad ceased long ago to be political or purely material or economic. Now they are driven by their desire for professional self-realisation. The Gallup Internationalspecial survey showsa reversal in migratory attitudes. The share of young people in Bulgaria and the residents of its capital who want to stay and work has increased by 20%. A total of 74% of Bulgarians want to live and work in Bulgaria. A further 19% would be willing to work abroad on a temporary basis. Only 7% would go to live and work abroad.
When interpreting this data, it should be noted that the decline in percentages is due to several factors, the first of which is the economic and political stabilisation of Bulgaria; while the second is that, following the signing of the treaty of accession to the European Union and the date of the country’s admission to the Community comes near, working in a member state is possible and the decision to do so can be made by weighing up the pros and cons. Working in another member state is seen as exercising one’s right as a citizen of the Community and is planned in compliance with the legal framework of the receiving country.
Noting that the general tendency of migration of the past few years still persists, emphasis should be placed on the positive development of national policy. Our migration policyis an important element of the country's policy of integration with the European Union. Our forthcoming accession will create the requisites for an increase in the inflow of migrants into our country. By November 2005 a total of 52,550 foreigners enjoyed the status of permanent residence. Some 13,000 foreign nationals had been granted long-term residence status. There is interest among citizens of new member states in acquiring long-term residence status in Bulgaria. In 2004 such status was granted to 665 nationals of Great Britain, a 49% increase on the previous year.
I will now address what Bulgaria is doing in terms of developing its migration policy.
The ambassador has answered my question. The improvement in the Bulgarian economy appears to have reduced the desire to seek work abroad. As stated, this is all about self-realisation.
Perhaps the ambassador would address my question on Iraq before I hand over to other members.
Mrs. Benisheva
The decision to join the alliance in Iraq was taken by the Bulgarian Government and approved by the Bulgarian Parliament. As the Acting Chairman correctly stated, there are 480 Bulgarian troops in Iraq providing logistical support in peacekeeping operations. We do not have any problems with our partners because of our participation in Iraq.
I welcome the ambassador and thank her for providing the joint committee with a record of Bulgaria's relationship with the European Union in respect of its accession obligations. The presentation is detailed and highlights the areas wherein many reforms are taking place. In that regard, I refer to judicial reform which appears to have commenced in 2001. To what extent will it be completed to fulfil Bulgaria's accession obligations? I note from the presentation that Bulgaria has committed itself to strong concepts in administrative reform. I would like to hear the ambassador's views on whether she believes Bulgaria will meet its obligations by 2007.
Mrs. Benisheva
I thank the Senator for her questions on judicial and administrative reform. I will focus on what we have been doing in recent years. Judicial reform did not commence in 2001; it started a long time ago. We had to amend our constitution to improve the efficiency of the judicial system and are committed to completing as many as possible of the judicial reforms by the date of accession, following which we will concentrate on the registration and training of magistrates to effectively participate in the judicial system in Bulgaria.
On administrative reform, members will be aware that implementation of Community acquis demands administrative structures, the establishment of which is under way and must be completed by the date of accession; otherwise Bulgaria will not benefit from participation in Community policies. In speaking about administrative reform we are referring to the establishment of the new structures required to deal with the implementation of Community policy. By way of example, the parliament recently passed a decision on the establishment of a bank agency in Bulgaria. We are required to establish a bank agency in order to implement European agricultural policy.
I welcome the ambassador and thank her for the briefing on Bulgaria's preparations for accession to the European Union. I hope all goes well.
The committee welcomes the lifting of restrictions on migrant workers from European Union countries by four of the member states. It is a pity all European Union member states did not do so as a block. I hope there will be no restrictions in regard to Bulgaria and Romania, that they will be acknowledged as full members from day one and that Ireland will do as much as possible to ensure that happens. The Taoiseach criticised other European Union member states during the week for not lifting restrictions on migrant workers from member states.
I have two questions, the first of which is in regard to the right-wing party, ATAKA. I understand it has approximately 10% of the vote in Bulgaria and seems to be growing. Are there concerns about its racist policies, given Bulgaria's history in relation to some ethnic minorities?
My second question relates to the Roma people. I acknowledge the huge amount of work done in recent years in that regard. The briefing documents we have received outline some of the changes that have been made. One issue about which I am concerned is access of the Roma population to housing. The briefing documents mention — the ambassador also mentioned this — that a short-term action plan has yet to be worked out and submitted to the Council of Ministers. When is that likely to happen? Obviously, the sooner it is up and running the better.
Mrs. Benisheva
On the Deputy's first question, it must be noted that xenophobic sentiments are not characteristic of the Bulgarian people. On the contrary, we are famous for our tolerance. The appearance last year of the political party the Deputy mentioned was an expression of dissatisfaction of some who felt the transition period had not been beneficial to them. Its influence is not growing in Bulgaria because it rejects everything, including privatisation, and offers no alternative in its political platform. The expectation is that it is a temporary phenomenon in Bulgarian society. It reflects also that there are winners and losers in the transition. It is not something that is characteristic of Bulgarians. Bulgaria has never had any conflict on its territory based on ethnicity or religion.
On the Deputy's second question, he is right. The Government is doing a lot to integrate the Roma population. It is a difficult process. When we speak about integration, we should avoid resorting to segregation measures. On access to education, health care and housing, we speak about equal treatment of the Roma people, not as a minority but with the majority. The Government has managed to ensure financial backup for the programme, implementation of which has begun with the building of houses.
I welcome the ambassador and thank her for her presentation. It is 11 years since Bulgaria lodged its application for membership of the European Union. In that time there has been continuing concern about corruption at the highest level in Bulgaria. The government recently took measures to deal with the issue. Is there any tangible evidence of their enforcement in, for example, the area of public procurement and financial institutions? Some time ago it was alleged that the proceeds of ill-gotten gains in this country were being laundered through financial institutions in Bulgaria. What reform has taken place in these institutions?
Will the ambassador outline the improvements which have been made to nuclear installations in Bulgaria?
Mrs. Benisheva
The Deputy is correct in saying there were allegations of corruption in the awarding of public contracts. There were allegations because we had not introduced the so-called remedy system in Bulgaria which would allow unsuccessful bidders to find out why their bids were not successful. Under the present system, unsuccessful bidders must go to court, which takes years. Those tendering for public contracts are not happy with this and allege corruption in the public procurement process. The Bulgarian financial investigations bureau works actively with its EU counterparts. OLAF recently established an agency in Bulgaria to assist and co-operate with us in financial investigations.
Bulgaria has committed to decommissioning some of its nuclear reactors which were considered unsafe. That will happen within a time schedule agreed with the European Union. By the end of 2002 two units were closed. Two more will be closed by the end of this year. Reducing capacity in electricity generation is the price we must pay to comply with nuclear safety requirements and we are doing so.
I am not suggesting Bulgaria should close down its nuclear generating stations but that there be a close examination of the unsafe stations. Are there major financial implications for the European Union in respect of the outstanding nuclear installations deemed risky?
Mrs. Benisheva
There are no financial implications for the European Union. Monitoring nuclear safety in Bulgaria has been done by joint missions of the agency in Vienna and EU member states. Safety requirements have been checked and Bulgaria is considered to be complying with them. Those plants considered unsafe and those considered unsuitable for upgrading at an affordable cost are to be decommissioned.
I have a number of questions but will start with a welcome. Like other members, I received a driving licence without completing a driving test. When Ireland joined the European Union, acquis communautaire was much smaller than the mountain that faces EU applicant countries. It is a bit Irish for the committee to hold this investigation when the task we had to complete was much easier than that which faces the accession countries. I wish Bulgaria every success in its application and hope the report from the Commission next month will be positive and that 1 January 2007 will be the date on which Bulgaria will join the European Union. I also hope the Government will open the labour market without restrictions with effect from that date. I have read the report on migratory patterns and the possible inflows from Bulgaria are low relative to countries such as Germany and Spain.
The exploitation of other EU workers in this country arises from a conspiracy between national labour market contractors in countries such as Poland and Irish construction contractors. The Bulgarian Government should publicise the fact that Bulgarian workers do not have to be recruited through a Bulgarian agency. Workers should be made aware of the minimum wage in Ireland to ensure unscrupulous Irish contractors, primarily in the agriculture and construction sectors, would not be able to exploit them. This is the response the Labour Party would like to see Irish authorities implement to ensure the possibility of exploitation by Irish employers and Bulgarian agents does not arise.
I refer to the Irish experience of the Criminal Assets Bureau, an organisation which confiscates the proceeds of crime. It is one of the most effective instruments against crime Ireland has developed. Criminals are not intimidated by jail terms because it is part of their culture but they are greedy people and the confiscation of ill-gotten gains hurts them. I invite the Bulgarian delegation to examine our experience.
Bulgaria chose to join NATO, a choice made by a sovereign state. In addition, it has agreed to allow 2,500 US troops be stationed on its territory. Will Mrs. Benisheva outline the reasons it made that decision? Could it be considered provocative by Russia and Ukraine to have former Cold War adversaries stationed next to the frontier? What is the strategic reason for having 2,500 US troops stationed there? What has been the cost of joining NATO in terms of new equipment, material and armaments?
Mrs. Benisheva
On the first observation on the movement of workers, the member is absolutely right that the Bulgarian Government and Minister for Social and Family Affairs are raising awareness among citizens of the legal systems of the respective countries and conditions there, allowing people to make their own decisions. They must weigh the pros and cons, deciding whether to move on the basis of an informed risk. Through a governmental decision, we have also established in several embassies — not in Ireland, but in other EU member states — counsellors on social affairs to assist migrants. I absolutely agree agencies on our territory advertise to attract workers without there being any delivery. That message will be passed to our government.
On the Criminal Assets Bureau, I am happy to say we have already examined the Irish experience. In 2005 we adopted our own version based on the Irish system. Representatives from the Criminal Assets Bureau have visited Bulgaria to discuss the practical establishment of the respective institutions on our side to implement the law on the confiscation of assets gained through criminal activity. We are following that example.
On the recent agreement between Bulgaria and the United States, we signed up to the shared use of military facilities on our territory, allowing for the six-monthly rotation of 2,500 American troops. We consider that agreement as providing additional security for Bulgaria and the entire region of south-eastern Europe. The government felt the necessity of having that presence in Bulgaria.
We do not conclude bilateral agreements at the expense of other partners' interests. The member mentioned Russia and Ukraine. Both countries' Foreign Ministers were informed when the agreement was signed in Sofia and invited to attend an informal meeting between Ukraine, NATO and Russia. When Bulgaria signed the bilateral agreement with the United States on the Friday of the previous week, it was done on the margins of an informal NATO meeting in Sofia. In the programme for that informal meeting, there were two bilateral meetings, between NATO and Russia and NATO and Ukraine. When we signed the agreement with the Secretary of State, the Russian and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers were in Sofia.
Did they express an opinion?
Mrs. Benisheva
No. It was over in a matter of minutes.
Has the ambassador any assessment of the Russian attitude to the presence of American troops in Bulgaria?
Mrs. Benisheva
As soon as the workings of the agreements we have concluded are clear, it will be apparent that there is no reason for anyone to worry.
I thank the ambassador for a very comprehensive presentation. We have heard a great deal about Bulgaria recently regarding holiday destinations and property and its offering very good value for money.
The ambassador has stated Bulgaria is vigorously implementing reforms and transforming institutions. She referred to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the rights of minorities. That is a heavy agenda. I wonder whether the changes are universally accepted. Regarding the transformation, we have only approximately six months until Bulgaria hopes to join the European Union. The ambassador might comment on how well the country has fulfilled its goals to transform itself in recent years.
The ambassador also stated Bulgaria was taking steps to improve the situation on mental health services and orphanages. The situation relating to Bulgarian orphanages can be quite a major issue, particularly on foot of some of the images taken in such institutions and shown here. What steps is the Bulgarian Government taking in this regard? Will the ambassador provide an overview in respect of hospitals and health care and the Bulgarian Government's efforts to transform these?
The ambassador referred to falling unemployment figures. What is the current unemployment figure? She referred to the reduction of capacity in the steel sector. How well will this be accepted by the people if this industry is the mainstay of the economy and a significant source of employment?
The ambassador indicated that reforms are costly and painful. However, they appear to have a support base of 70%. I find it strange that there is such significant support for changes that are costly and painful.
Mrs. Benisheva
I thank the Deputy. I refer to the observance of respect for the rule of law, the protection of minority rights and the political criteria components I mentioned in my submission. These issues are now well behind us. They were on the agenda for our assessment in the context of whether we complied. Six or seven years ago, when the European Union decided that Bulgaria was meeting the political criteria and could be granted the status of a country negotiating for accession, there was a certain sequence of steps for meeting the political and economic criteria and the implementation of the acquiscriteria. We followed this approach strictly. The Commission continues to state that Bulgaria still complies with the political criteria for accession.
On the transformation in society and the institutions dealing with mental health, I agree with the Deputy that there is some kind of disparity between economic success and the social welfare institutions. The situation is improving. I refer to a few initiatives we have undertaken as priorities, such as: steps aimed at decreasing the number of children who are brought up in specialised institutions; the improvement of living conditions in such institutions; the creation of better conditions for children to exercise their rights guaranteed by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the law on child protection; increasing the effectiveness of measures aimed at the protection of children from violence, abuse and other forms of exploitation; and guaranteeing the access of children to quality education and preparation, with a view to their full social realisation. This is a long list of measures and we expect improvement.
We received much assistance from the Irish NGOs in that particular area of the transformation. The 17 projects to which I referred in my submission include the purchasing of specialised transport vehicles for disabled people, provision of equipment for day activity projects, group homes, family consulting centres, the building of specialised facilities, support for the Bulgarian association for people with intellectual disabilities and the co-founding of projects with the Bulgarian ministry. Many Irish NGOs are involved in helping us in that regard. We admit that the social welfare system requires further improvement.
The reduction of capacity in the steel sector is taking place in stages in accordance with an agreed plan between Bulgaria and the European Commission. We received funding from the European Union to provide vocational training for those who would lose their jobs as a result of the reduction of capacity in the steel sector. The programme is based on the concept that state aid to the sector should be discontinued and the viability of the industry ensured through the reduction of capacity. There is no option to move in a different direction.
Questions were raised about the cost of reform and the high level of support for integration in Bulgaria, in which the European Union continues to enjoy a high profile and reputation. It seems pro-EU sentiments are based on its positive track record in my country in the economic, social and cultural fields.
I agree with the ambassador's statement that Bulgarian accession is part of the political project of reuniting Europe on the basis of shared values. My questions relate to the Roma people. How many such persons live in Bulgaria? While I imagine them as a nomadic people who wander between Romania and Bulgaria, I may be incorrect and would like the ambassador to tell me something about them. While the Bulgarian Government has taken steps to integrate them into the education system, are they integrated generally and do they contribute to the economy?
Mrs. Benisheva
According to the latest UNDP survey, the Roma community accounts for 2.6% of Bulgaria's 7.7 million population, or between 200,000 and 300,000 people. It is impossible to have exact figures as they are very mobile. We are trying to ensure regular attendance at school by Roma children. The excuse of the lack of a proper education will lead only to the need to provide social assistance and undermine integration in national life. Some members of the Roma community are invited to attend training courses to help them acquire skills and enter occupations. The majority — approximately 70% — of those involved in our programme of social assistance aimed at entry into employment, which is based on the Irish experience, are Roma.
I thank the ambassador for her comprehensive presentation and answers. As she can tell from the questions asked, there is a great deal of interest in her country, which members will visit in June. It will give us an opportunity to expand our knowledge in advance of Bulgarian accession. We wish its people the very best of luck.