Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to follow through on some of the issues raised by my colleagues. We all accept that there is a democratic deficit in the European Union, but there is also an information deficit. Providing information is the role of Mr. Temple-Smithson's office. There is also a credibility issue. The latest issue about which people are talking is the agreement reached on roaming charges in the use of mobile phones under which the same rates will apply anywhere in the European Union. The various mobile phone companies have, however, come up with excuses to combat the move. People can see straightaway that the measure should have a positive impact. When one travels to the North from County Monaghan, one will receive a welcome to the UK message and details of charges. There was enough goodwill to tackle the issue of roaming charges, but, in reality, the mobile phone companies can do what they like. As people want to know what the current position is, I ask Mr. Temple-Smithson to comment on the issue. I do not know if he has the background information available, but roaming charges in the European Union are one of the issues which cause frustration.

Members of the committee have mentioned the European Parliament elections to be held in 2019. The number of voters has fallen in consecutive elections since universal suffrage was introduced in 1979. There has been a turnout of less than 50% in every election. In the years from 1999 to 2014 the average figure was 42.54%. People have switched off, not just in Ireland, which is a big worry. The European Parliament Information Office has a role to play in encouraging people to become involved and learn how the European Parliament works. The exchange programmes involving young people and different groups are vitally important. Are they organised by Mr. Temple-Smithson's office or MEPs? Can Mr. Temple-Smithson's office facilitate exchanges? There used to be a very busy outreach office on Molesworth Street but it has been relocated to new premises that do not have the same facilities. It was possible on the old site to hold meetings and debates on the European Union, etc. Some MEPs have expressed their frustration to me that the option to hold meetings on site is no longer available.

A total of 73 seats in the European Parliament are filled by British Members. What will happen to these seats following Brexit? Will they be divided between the other member states? How will that impact on Ireland?

As Mr. Temple-Smithson probably knows, people from the North of Ireland have been elected to the European Parliament. When a debate is held on Ireland, all representatives from the North and the South are invited, which is important. Does the European Parliament Information Office in Dublin cover the activities of parliamentarians from the North? Is it allowed to do so? Does Mr. Temple-Smithson think undertaking such work would be a good idea? I am conscious that many Members elected to the European Parliament and many voters who participated in the elections in the North of Ireland consider themselves to be Irish.

It is part of the strategy many members are engaged in at the moment. Can I have ciúnas?