Mr. Neale Richmond:

It is above the average. We are keen to point out that in all categories we rate that are comparable with other European nations, this country is very much in the top echelons for every area.

We appreciate the points on the reduction in the number of MEPs. We do not have a position on it because no decision has been made. We know the issue is still with the European Parliament to decide on whether definitely to reduce the number of Irish MEPs. We will review the situation when the decision is made and note the findings.

The report is already available on our website. It was sent to all Oireachtas Members, all Secretaries General of Departments and all libraries. We do a lot of work with Europe Direct centres and libraries throughout the country. We have already spoken to Europe Direct information centres in Mountmellick and Blanchardstown and we will be in Mallow and Dundalk over the summer. We will go wherever we are invited to give our little spiel about Europe.

Deputy Eric Byrne raised a number of points. I will hand one or two of them to Ms Sparks if that is all right because even though I presented the accountability report, it was very much a joint effort between not just the pair of us but the entire office. As one might appreciate, no one person on his or her own could deal with the amount of data that had to be collected. I will also refer to her the matter of the DG's consultation.