Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the ambassador to the meeting. Deputy Bernard Durkan referred to Greece's long and proud history and the fact that Greece gave democracy to the world. Now is another opportunity for Greece to lead in Europe. We have all endured tough times but perhaps Greece had the toughest time of all. However, that difficult experience could provide a potential for inspiration. What lessons have been learned by Greece? What lessons might Greece have learned from the experience of other countries in the eurozone? I am particularly conscious of the Greek experience because of our Irish experience. Have the Greek people felt isolated within the European project? Is Europe a consideration in their lives?

On the question of areas where growth might be achieved, when I was attending conferences as a regular member of this committee it was pointed out that substantial growth could be achieved by the implementation of the EU services directive, such as, the electronic signature and aspects of the digital media area. It struck me that national growth and GDP could be increased by 2% to 3% with the implementation of more electronic processes which would facilitate the creation of cross-borders business. Is this being implemented in Greece?

The ambassador referred to the European Investment Bank and the investment plan to finance small and medium enterprises. Is it planned to ring-fence funding for youth employment? Is the EIB discussing the catastrophe of youth unemployment? One in three young people in Ireland is unemployed. Families have invested in their talented young people, as has the State. We do not want that energy and spirit to be demoralised. Like Senator Noone I am very aware of a particular group of young people. Has the EIB any policies to focus on youth unemployment? My final question is about border management, migration, mobility and policing, to which the ambassador referred in her presentation. In her view is there a role for sharing information across borders about the backgrounds and records of citizens? I will conclude by saying that I am very proud of Greece. It has had a difficult time, no more than ourselves. I very much hope this will be a very successful EU Presidency for Greece as well as for Europe.