Dr. Peter Rigney:

I will try to respond to all of the points made. I will start with those made by Deputy Colm Brophy.

On the mandate of the European Central Bank, I accept that it is built into the DNA of the Germans that their great-grandparents or grandparents lost their savings in the big Deutsche Mark inflation of 1923 or 1924 when one virtually needed a wheelbarrow of money to buy a loaf of bread. However, that does not mean that we cannot have a debate on having a balanced mandate for the ECB between inflation and full employment. That is the reason I am glad to have this debate with members.

With regard to German and French truck drivers - I note that as the French ambassador is due to appear before the committee, its members might ask him about it - as a negotiator, I find that it is always great to be reasonably consistent. I presume this issue was discussed at the transport committee. It does not apply to us in respect of foreign truck drivers crossing Ireland. We have said at the transport committee, with regard to the rail package, that this is an island nation and that as our track gauge is different from that in the rest of Europe, it does not apply to us and that we have no view. It does not do our image any good if suddenly, with regard to road transport, we say we support the Visegrád Group. Again, it is a matter for debate.