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

I welcome the Commissioner, Ms Nolan and Mr. Keary to the meeting. The Commissioner mentioned roaming charges. If they were sorted by 2017 or sooner, it would be a positive indication of the role of the Commission and the European Parliament in changing something that directly affects many people.

I like the idea of the changes being "big", how they will be delivered and so on. All of that is important. In 2016, the Commission will examine a few selected sectors more closely in light of their growth potential or because they face specific challenges. That is akin to the Government's influence on the tourism sector, which was targeted early after the Government's formation as having growth potential. If this approach is replicated in the Union's policies, it will be effective.

I have a few questions. Deputy Durkan mentioned climate change, the Paris talks and the emissions trading scheme.

What role does the Commissioner envisage for forestry, particularly carbon capture and forestry? Does he see a role for this in the talks?

We signed off on a political contribution in this committee yesterday on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. It has been widely speculated that there will be opportunities in the dairy sector but that there could be threats in the beef sector. Does the Commissioner have any concerns about this?

The common consolidated tax base is being withdrawn. The Commissioner has stated it will be replaced with a mandatory tax base. What is the difference? The 12.5% corporation tax rate has been sacrosanct in this country. The full or maximum collection of the tax is only right and proper.

The multiannual financial framework and the mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy are important in the context of direct transfers to the west, particularly for designated lands. It is necessary to protect those payments. Does the Commissioner have a view on the review?