Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:88 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position in relation to European enlargement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22632/00]
Written Answers. - EU Enlargement.
Ireland is a strong supporter of the current enlargement process for strategic reasons of peace and for economic reasons. We look forward to welcoming the new member states when they have satisfactorily completed their negotiations and have demonstrated their ability to assume the obligations of membership.
Enlargement will provide important economic opportunities for new and existing member states alike. Enlargement will also give us the opportunity to address outstanding problems on our continent, including such vital issues as organised crime and a better functioning relationship with Russia and the states of the former Soviet Union. In addition, an enlarged EU can play a more important and more credible role in world affairs.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 3 today.
Question No. 89 taken with Question No. 7.
Questions Nos. 90 and 91 taken with Question No. 87.