Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Joe Durkan. The United Kingdom has a long history of immigration. Obviously, many Irish people have gone there to live and work. Has it tended to differentiate between immigration from the countries of the British Commonwealth and that from other European Union member states? Have studies been carried out of the economics of migration? In that context, I recall a recent newspaper headline which read, "Is there no one left in Britain who can make a sandwich?" We all know the point that was being made about the skills, etc., people possess. Have studies such as those to which I refer been carried out?

Agriculture is extremely important to Ireland, particularly in the context of direct transfers. In view of the fact that the United Kingdom is a net contributor to the European Union, what impact would a possible exit have on the direct supports we receive? There are many small holdings in Scotland and Wales and, as a result, both are much more dependent on direct transfers. What impact would a possible exit have on those involved in farming in these countries, particularly in terms of their ability to remain in operation?

In the context of business - be it small, city-based or whatever else - everyone wants to reduce the amount of red tape which must be dealt with. Are there specific policies which companies, both large and small, might identify and state that if they were removed, operating would be easier? Everyone is opposed to red tape, but I am just wondering if there is differentiation in this regard?