Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I have two questions about matters touched on by the Chairman. The Minister of State's comments on enlargement were interesting. If there is to be enlargement, what will be the further reduction in the number of MEPs? I should probably know the answer, but I do not.

Yesterday, we held a discussion with three guests. The disconnect between Irish citizens and the EU in all its guises seemed to be to the fore in people's minds. Does the Minister of State have ideas for improving this situation? I have done some work in this regard recently. Forums could be held on, for example, a quarterly basis affording MEPs an opportunity to explain what they were doing in Europe. The broadcaster also has a part to play. Showing the European Parliament on television once per month in the middle of the night is not ideal. MEPs should be drawn on by RTE for comment. The EU rarely gets credit for the work it does, particularly on consumer issues, etc. I would be interested in the Minister of State's reply.