Ms Noelle O'Connell:

I fully agree with the Deputy. We just wanted to take snapshots of the current, timely debates.

There are differences in and a variety of views, which are perhaps evolving.

To go back to what Mr. Pratt and I have tried to bring across in our presentation to the committee today, this is part of a wider discussion. We should not be afraid to have the debate on that point. We certainly believe the EU can continue to be reformed and made more efficient. We certainly welcome that ongoing debate as part of the solutions.

I thank Deputy Haughey for his kind words about Just the Facts. We are delighted. We take great pride in trying to demystify and de-jargon the EU. This can be a bit of a challenge at times so we are very grateful for the Deputy's kind words. He actually posed an interesting question. There is a spectrum of views among our organisation's members. I believe the chairman, Mr. Pratt, would agree with me. We are a very broad church. Some of our members would absolutely favour more federalist, closer integration, whereas others would not. The common theme that brings together all our members is that we do believe Ireland's are best served by remaining a part of a reforming European Union and that we have a responsibility, role and opportunity to influence the shape of that. Time is of the essence.

With regard to the five options, and to follow on from Deputy Brophy's question on whether we have a particular view, we do not regard the options as mutually exclusive. This is part of an ongoing debate, dialogue and process. As the debate evolves, it will feed into this future of Europe process. The Chairman is to be commended on having the initiative to have this debate. We are determined to have an input into the process and support the important work of the committee in whatever way we can.

I thank Deputy Brophy very much for his contribution. He made a really interesting point on the pronouncements and the various EU leaders. Sometimes we in Ireland can lose sight of the fact that we have a voice at the table. The Taoiseach has a voice in the same way as the French President, Mr. Macron. It is important that we become quite vocal in this regard and not shy away from the challenges, and also the opportunities that will arise as we seek to air our view and ensure it is heard.

When I conclude, I shall pass over to the chairman, Mr. Pratt. I thank Deputy O'Rourke for his comments. I come from a rural background, as he might have picked up from the accent. I am obviously well aware of the challenges that rural areas face. I would argue also the far better position that rural Irish communities are in thanks to our membership of the EU and the support it continues to give. Let us not lose sight of the principle of subsidiarity, which presents an important opportunity for national parliaments in influencing the decision-making process.

With regard to the disconnect and the threats associated with the communications on the Brexit referendum, I would be more than happy to come back for a five-hour session and do a workshop on it, with the permission of the Chairman. It is a matter on which European Movement Ireland has very strong views. Last year's Brexit referendum is a matter on which we worked very actively. As part of ensuring that people's voices were heard, we ran, with great support from Members of the Oireachtas, the PhoneAFriend voter-registration campaign. It is really important that people have their say. It is something we will continue to do.