Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their contributions. I welcome the points made, including that on the transatlantic partnership, which is hugely important and a two-way process. In recent years Ireland and the United States have become more conscious of the two-way nature of that process because, as previous speakers said, once upon a time, it was deemed to be all in one direction. There are huge benefits to be gained from the further development of that element of the process.

I welcome, in particular, the reference to the importance of Ireland as a beach head for expansion of business in Europe and vice versa. The fact that Europe is a great consumer market is hugely important and something the committee has discussed on numerous occasions. We all believe Europe has not developed to its full potential. There is huge consumer demand among Europe's huge population. This is something that has been much sought after by businesses worldwide, to which reference was made.

Direct flights to the west coast of the United States are of major importance. It is a second string to the bow and brings us as a European bridgehead nearer to the west coast of the United States. We have much in common, in particular the development of technology and IT in general. Anything that can be done to enhance, improve and contribute to the development of that process is to be welcomed.