I have the great pleasure to welcome to today's meeting a delegation from the Hungarian National Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Dr. Ferenc Wekler, who is accompanied by Mr. István Szabó, Mr. Jósef Gulyás, Mr. Miklós Caspody and Mr. Gyula Szabó. I also welcome the Hungarian ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Palmai, who is accompanying the delegation. The ambassador has been very active on his country's behalf and is well known to all members of the joint committee. To a great extent, he has prepared the way for what is happening at this important time. The delegation has travelled to Ireland to monitor the ratification process of the accession treaty of the ten applicant countries. During their short visit, delegates will also meet with the Joint Committee on European Affairs, the chairman of which, Deputy Gay Mitchell, is in attendance today. Delegates will also meet with the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.
Before I give the floor to my guests, I have a brief comment to make. I record this committee's sincerest welcome and support for Hungary's accession to the European Union. The old divisions are beginning to heal at last and I am delighted to see that Ireland and Hungary will be partners in the new Europe. We aim to complete Ireland's ratification procedures by the end of this year and before our EU Presidency commences. The accession of the ten new member states will be the most momentous event of that Presidency. We will commence 2004 with 15 members and become a union of 25 by the summer. We in Ireland intend to do everything we can to ensure this process is a success. The European Communities (Amendment) Bill, which is necessary to give effect to the accession treaty in our law, will be presented to the Seanad on Thursday next. I understand our guests may remain in Dublin to attend that session and to hear the debate.
Tomorrow, the Commission will present its latest annual report on the progress of each of the accession countries toward the adoption of the acquis communautaire. From today’s issue of The Irish Times I note that Hungary has made good preparations for the delegation’s visit. There was a four page spread which set out the country’s potential for development within the EU. Also outlined was the historical relationship with Ireland on which we plan to build and which indicates very clearly the close affinity between our peoples. That will prove positive for the growing numbers of people who are inquiring aboutHungary and working with Hungarians in business. As Irish people are inclined to do now, they travel continuously. The four page spread set out a clear exposition of Hungary’s current position.
The visit of the delegation comes at a particularly busy time in the accession agenda. It only remains for me to give the floor to the Deputy Speaker and his colleagues. Perhaps Dr. Wekler will introduce his colleagues after which an exchange of views with the committee can take place.