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

Unfortunately I have to leave shortly but I have just a couple of short questions. We could also ask Mr. Brian Hayes MEP a few questions on these issues while he is here. I thank the Minister of State for her contribution. She has been very busy, obviously. The Taoiseach has also outlined Ireland's position on many of these issues in the Dáil, having regard to pre-council meetings, pre-council discussion and post-council discussion.

On the issue of Brexit, yesterday the Taoiseach informed the Dáil that he was optimistic that sufficient progress will have been made by the December council meeting to allow it to move on to the next phase of the negotiations; the future relationship and the transitional arrangements. Would the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee agree with this? Is there any basis for that optimism? Are we making progress on the issues of particular concern to Ireland, citizens' rights and financial settlements? Perhaps the Minister of State could give us an insight into the Taoiseach's optimism around the December Council meeting.

With regard to the General Affairs Council, I understand that a decision will be made at its next meeting on relocation of the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority. Where stands Ireland's bids for these agencies? I get negative vibes in the media about Ireland's bids but perhaps the Minister of State will enlighten us on that.

The Taoiseach informed the Dáil yesterday that the situation in Catalonia was not discussed at the European Council meeting at all, but that the Spanish Prime Minister was asked if he would like to speak on the issue and he declined. The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee was there and there was a lot of discussion. It is a big issue facing Spain and the wider community and I wonder what the feeling is around it. We certainly have concerns about how citizens were treated when they went out to vote. While respecting the legalities of the situation there are concerns there and perhaps the Minister of State could comment on them.