We wear two hats in this regard but we do not often pay attention to our second. We clearly wear an agricultural hat but we also have a huge interest in avoiding the protectionist movements that endangered the conclusion of the Doha Round last summer. It is important that we maintain an open market by reaching an agreement that avoids the trend towards protectionism. I am aware that the pre-Christmas discussions will be managed by the French, whose agricultural and protectionist perspective appears to have damaged the last negotiations. I urge the Minister to recognise that Ireland’s interests lie in reaching agreement on open markets and not solely in agricultural aspects.

While visiting Russia two weeks ago, concerns were impressed upon me about the efforts being taken in Georgia and Ukraine to join NATO. These moves frighten the Russians, although I am not sure of the extent to which the European security strategy addresses this issue. Europe has an interest in maintaining good relations with Russia and in ensuring the security of oil supplies. If we continue to take the confrontational attitude that has developed in recent times, we may endanger our future in this area. In regard to Georgia’s and Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO, we should recognise the concerns of Russia.