Frank O'Rourke (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Timmermans for coming here this morning and for his opening address. I share some of my colleagues' concerns. Is Mr. Timmermans concerned that anti-EU groups are allowed a platform to oppose the EU and to talk about other member states considering doing what the UK has done? That is a reality. A vacuum seems to be allowed exist where these groups can articulate their case and we do not seem to be combatting it and talking about the positive aspects of being involved in the EU and the advantages it brings. Notwithstanding all the positives, the people of this State feel that the EU issues diktats on legislation and policy. It is becoming difficult for people in rural Ireland or running businesses to manage and survive with the level of legislation they have to comply with and which they sometimes feel is unnecessary. Is Mr. Timmermans concerned about that and how could it be dealt with?

I share my colleagues' views on exports, given the amount of business we do with the UK. Mr. Timmermans says Ireland will be treated as a special case in these talks. The exports to and via the UK are very important for our small economy. The small and medium enterprise SME sector is trying to survive having gone through a difficult time for trade. It is very important to our economy especially in the food industry.

Is Mr. Timmermans suggesting, given that we know the difficulties this poses, that we need to bring forward solutions to the problems? If he is advocating that I would agree with him because we are in the best place to identify solutions.