Ms Mairead McGuinness:

As a global player and a major country, the United Kingdom will be mindful of the fact that if it reneges on an agreement with its EU partners, the world will be watching it. Every country is watching and if it misbehaves, it will be noted. Who would conclude a trade agreement with a country the word of which could not be taken as the truth?

I also caution those who are saying the budgetary outlook is bleak for the future. There is a danger that if we keep repeating that narrative, as Deputy Bernard J. Durkan stated, it will become real. We have to fight hard and are doing so to achieve an increase in the budget. Member states will have to put money into the pot. If we believe there is a future for the European Union, we have to fund it. I hope Ireland will be part of that battle.

There is democracy in Europe, despite people saying we need more of it. This is democracy in action. The proceedings of the committee are being broadcast live. We meet regularly. There is no harm in reminding ourselves when we are critical of the European Union, as many of us are, with what are we comparing it. Where on the globe do citizens have the freedoms that they enjoy, enjoy the rule of law and live a democracy that functions as well, despite its flaws, as the European Union? If we remember this in the battles about where it is and where it is going, it will at least put us on the one sheet in saying the European Union is worth defending because without it, we would all be much worse off, not only financially.