Ms Mairead McGuinness:

I thank the Chairman for allowing me to open the discussion, principally because of my role in the European Parliament, namely, that of Vice President, responsible for relationships with national parliaments. I also thank the committee for its recent engagement. Since the Brexit vote, we have had deeper engagement, not only with colleagues in the Oireachtas but also Members of many national parliaments. Perhaps it is something on which we need to build. We always say we could communicate better and meet more often. Today should be more about how we do it rather than the aspiration because committee members and I want to work better with national parliaments.

All of thee issues are linked. The first will have an impact on all of the others on the agenda. The future of Europe depends on our having stronger and deeper relationships with national parliaments. We would like to be here more often and perhaps committee members would like to be in Brussels more often too, but it is just not possible. Therefore, we have to find other ways. We have formal structures. I will be with some of my colleagues here in Malta for the national parliaments meeting at the beginning of next week. Committee members come to Brussels. It is the informal engagement we need to deepen. Perhaps we need to consider engagement with specific committees, be they on agriculture, agriculture policy or other matters. Fisheries, for example, will be a significant concern in the Brexit negotiations.

Ironically, Brexit has brought national parliaments closer to the European Parliament because they need to understand our role and we need to understand theirs. Let us build on this and hope we can have a stronger relationship that will work for people. That is why we are here.