Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief and not reiterate the comment of others. We made the same remarks last year about how these reports present certain data. We are all familiar with how people in certain fora come in, sign on the dotted line and go back out the door again. There is an issue with quantitative and qualitative research. I raised this matter with the witnesses last year. It is important that more effort be invested in a qualitative analysis of contributions, be it at European Parliament level, Council level or wherever.

My colleagues have referred to the issue that we all face with the way that travel on behalf of this committee is presented. Perhaps the witnesses could have a role in shaping public opinion. They should consider this.

The report does not track the qualitative output of this committee, including our reports. I am proud of some of our initiatives, for example, our Brexit report. We were not simply following up on something that was part of the standardised agenda. We took the initiative off our own bat. I compliment the Chairman and the executive in that regard. The overall infographics do not reflect the quality of the output. The witnesses should consider this.