Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the MEPs for their presence and for their work in putting the Irish case to their colleagues in the European Parliament. They have done great work so far but, obviously, have a lot more work to do given the fact that the final deal or deals must be agreed by the European Parliament. Taking up the point made by Mr. Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, MEP, the Commission published the white paper on 1 March. As Mr. Flanagan rightly said, five options are being considered. I understand that there are to be six reflection papers on all sorts of issues, including developing the social dimension of Europe, deepening the economic and monetary union on the basis of the five presidents' reflection paper on harnessing globalisation of June 2015, the future of Europe's defence and the future of EU finances. Is there any sign of those reflection papers being published given the timeline the witnesses outlined to us?

In respect of the option of a multi-speed Europe or those who want to do more - option 3 - it seems that Germany, France, Italy and Spain are pursuing that particular agenda, which must sound alarm bells for us. Such a multi-speed Europe could involve increased co-operation on defence matters, co-operation on security and justice matters and closer co-operation on taxation and social matters. We need to have a debate in this country about the future of Europe. Obviously, this has come to a head with the Brexit vote and the widespread realisation that many people are alienated from the EU. As a result, this debate is very timely. It seems that it might be in Ireland's interests to have a multi-speed Europe because there would be some things we would not like relating to the other member states pressing ahead but perhaps this will lead to us being left behind. The Union started off as a partnership of equal member states. Will we move away from that? There is also the option of further integration of the EU. I do not think there would be much support among the Irish public for further integration of the EU. I think Mr. Carthy said there would be treaty change. I would not like to sell a referendum to the Irish people on further integration.

I agree that this is a debate in which we need to engage. This committee needs to discuss that in the coming weeks. It is on our agenda. Can the witnesses give us a flavour of the views in the European Parliament across the political groupings - not necessarily their personal views? What is the general trend with regard to where we are heading?