Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I join with the Chairman and committee in welcoming Dr. Apals and his colleagues and wish them well, in particular with the Presidency. It is very early days and the circumstances relating to Latvia taking the Presidency have been rather difficult over the past couple of weeks. I too welcome the commitment to fast-tracking the investment plan for Europe, which will be very important.

Dr. Apals made reference to some administrative obstacles he identified in his presentation. Perhaps he could expand on that and outline what particular problems he has identified which he needs to overcome.

I had a question on digital Europe, which has been touched on, and I will not repeat it. I endorse the comments of Deputy Durkan on banking. We have all come a very long way in the context of banking, and we have all learned an awful lot and are prepared for the other problems which might arise in the future.