Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputy Ryan's suggestion on tripling the budget, naturally enough I would love to see that happen. At European level in relation to the financial constraints that we are under, even if we have money to try to invest it in capital projects, there are limiting conditions in regard to the financial structures. I know that Commissioner Cañete and some of the other Commissioners are pushing this agenda quite strongly. I have spoken to Commissioner Cañete on three or four occasions in this regard. We have very demanding targets to reach and even if we have the resources available to us, we are trying to fight this challenge with one hand tied behind our back. I hope that if we can make progress on that aspect, it will allow the Government far more flexibility in putting the investment that is required for getting to a decarbonised society by 2050 and being a long way along that road by 2030.

In respect of the impact of Brexit on trade and services, we have a major challenge to try to ensure that we can capture the digital market here in Ireland. Every minute, Irish consumers are spending about €14,000 online but only about €4,000 a minute is used to purchase products and services in this country. There is a great opportunity to develop our own sector to meet our market needs. Second, many of the issues the Deputy raised will come in under the digital single market negotiations. He is quite correct that issues arising from Brexit and the UK will have to form part of those discussions. It will be a challenge not just for us, but for many other member states to deal with it. We have started the process. A number of Departments are involved and that is why the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy, has a co-ordinating role between the various Departments.

The Cabinet sub-comittees may have a co-ordinating role. As I said at the outset my Department will be a facilitating Department. I think we can help to drive some of the change that is required in some of the other Departments. We are quite willing to work with the Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy and other Ministers not just on the Cabinet sub-committees but on a one to one basis to drive the type of change and openness that is needed to make a real difference.