Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and the committee secretariat for organising this meeting with the Irish delegation to the Committee of the Regions. I know all the members who have participated since 1994. I know that the quality of the membership is extremely high. It takes considerable commitment to go to Brussels on a regular basis which is not well recognised. Never before has our need for such representation been greater because the reduction from 12 MEPs to 11 MEPs following Croatia's accession to the European Union is a major blow to Ireland. The Irish delegation to the Committee of the Regions is a resource for Ireland, which should be recognised and I am glad the Chairman has done so by inviting them here today. They should feel free to contact us on any particular issue through the secretariat.

Councillors McGowan, Hanniffy and O'Donoghue, representing the group, made a presentation putting across their point of view. Their requirements are certainly worthy of recognition. I know that the Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs, Deputy Donohoe, is very open to working with the group and I believe he has already met them. If not, he certainly will be available, as he has made quite clear. The report we received from the Irish delegation to the Committee of the Regions Brussels office contains a number of points related to the green infrastructure and other issues that come beforehand. The submissions the delegation made have been very well recognised by the European Commission.

I have no questions. I offer my best wishes to those of the witnesses who are running for election on 23 May. I know the time they spend on the Committee of the Regions takes them away from home and their constituencies and it is much appreciated. I do not know how they can get more recognition, not just individually, but for their work. Along with the MEPs they represent a vital resource, particularly for local authorities. Local authorities should use their skills more in the future because of the reduction in the number of MEPs.

The Council of Europe also has a regional forum which contains members from Ireland. I suggest that the Chairman might consider inviting those members to appear before the committee. We work together in regard to those matters.

People should not criticise representatives from this country going to Brussels whether it is the Irish delegation to the Committee of the Regions, MEPs or members of the Council of Europe. We represent Ireland and we fly the flag. The witnesses know the networking they have created. Irish people certainly have skills in communications and networking throughout Europe. The delegation's influence on the Committee of the Regions can only benefit this country. I wish them all success in the future and I hope they will be returned and will continue to work on the Irish delegation to the Committee of the Regions.