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

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his attendance and for his comprehensive report of the previous meeting.

I wish to focus on a couple of points. To what extent has the EU studied the areas most likely to contribute to economic recovery throughout the Union, particularly in terms of extended and increased employment? We all remember being told eight or nine years ago that the future would be the digital economy. While that is the case, it has appeared for some time that the traditional areas of employment are those that have delivered the most in the response to the economic downturn, both here and abroad. For example, Germany has been relying heavily on exports. To what extent has the EU studied this issue with a view to maximising employment potential and, as used to be said, lifting all boats on a rising tide?

Is each EU country able to access sufficiently the digital economy in order to capitalise on it in terms of employment creation? Ireland is not able to fully access its most modern elements. Be it Europe or this jurisdiction, we do not do enough forward planning. The problems with accessing the digital economy should have been dealt with ten years ago when plenty of resources were available to do so.

There is a particular need to ensure that state-of-the-art technology is available in all EU countries. We are dependent on one another. If there are gaps in the system in Ireland or its adjoining economies, they will show up in the extent to which the EU and its Single Market are competitive, for example, the degree to which we have state-of-the-art broadband. Ireland does not have it. Many people in my and my colleagues' constituencies, including not far from where we are, must roam around their buildings to find the hottest spots for accessing broadband. This is disgraceful and should not be the case. The EU should have identified the need for an emphasis on these issues years ago, not now when the problem is there for everyone to see.

I have welcomed the semester concept for a long time. It gives the EU the ability to assess progress under various headings on an ongoing basis. This would identify deficiencies or inefficiencies and the potential to maximise the benefits of the Single Market. Unless all of these factors fall into place simultaneously and we move together in the Union, the concept of the Single Market will fall by the wayside.

The Chairman will be glad to know that I will make my last point. I would be interested to know what our colleagues in the Netherlands will say about subsidiarity and proportionality. I have had views on these issues for some time. Previously, something was applied to every country on the basis that it suited one country. However, this does not follow, nor should it. It must be recognised that not every economy is starting from the same base or is in the same position. To capitalise on the benefits likely to accrue from the semester and the examination, it is necessary that we emphasise this point.

I could discuss other issues, but the Chairman will be glad to know I will not continue.