Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Could I suggest that a formal request would be made, perhaps by this committee, because otherwise we will miss opportunities? There is no point in trying to close the door after the horse has bolted. The witnesses will be very aware of the infrastructure deficits, the regional imbalance and inequality that was reported even last week in the ESRI report. There is an urgent need for infrastructure. Adding Brexit into that context makes it a very worrying time for all of us, but especially for people like me who live in the regions.

Does Mr. Dombrovskis believe that Brexit constitutes exceptional circumstances and that the EU should now allow for derogation from the rules to allow the Government the adequate scope to invest North and South to protect against the fallout from Brexit but also to put the country into a prime position to thrive thereafter? What specific measures of flexibility from the EU fiscal rules does he think Ireland should seek? It seems that the flexibility in our investment must be a priority. Does he agree with that? What suggestions does he have for us?