Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome all of our guests. I missed the presentation made by Mr. Mitchell because I had to attend another committee and I apologise for that. I welcome my former constituency colleague, Ms Costello, whom I used to meet on a daily basis for many years. Even though I no longer do so, I am still aware of her presence. I thank the MEPs for their presentations and I have a question for each one.

Given that I missed the presentation by Mr. Mitchell I shall ask him a general question. Has the British statement on its renegotiation of, or potential exit from the European Union, had an impact on its influence and weight in European institutions? I am particularly interested in the British decision on banking bonuses. Has the British statement helped or hindered its ability to progress its national interest within the European Parliament?

I was struck by the conclusions made by Ms Costello on the need to better progress the social dimension with regard to the social compact. During her work has she found institutional restraint in doing so?

I shall pick up on a point made by Mr. Murphy. What is behind the lack of progress given the speed of change in other areas of policy, such as economic policy, for example?

I disagree with my colleague, Deputy Joe O'Reilly. Even though I disagree with Mr. Murphy's analysis, as he well knows, it is a sophisticated analysis. He examined what is going on and tried to frame it. I have probably ruined my reputation within the Fine Gael Party with my comments.