Mr. Kieran McCarthy:

Yes, definitely. There is much to learn from Europe. As councillors, we have been put in a position where we have had to learn about European policy. We have been projected, as it were, from the ground to the top. We are trying to develop a bottom-up process in that it cannot all be top-down thinking from the European Commissioners. Many opportunities come to mind. I mentioned only an EU funding officer and INTERREG.

I and many of the members of the delegation represent the Committee of the Regions. We deputise for the Committee of the Regions in cities and regions across Europe. Suddenly, we have to put on an EU hat but I cannot put on a Cork City Council hat. I am a member of the e-government steering board, which is engaged in developing a smart Europe, smart cities and digital devices. We are also examining broadband issues and cities also require the necessary infrastructure and g-technology. Apart from INTERREG, we have Horizon 2020, and Ireland has one of the most successful rates of acquiring Horizon 2020 funding in the EU. The success rate is of the order of 6% and Ireland is well ahead in that respect.

I am involved in the European entrepreneurial region award I know the people from Tralee, from the Chairman's neck of the words, were involved in developing the INTERREG programme. They were very successful and were part of the secretariat driving the INTERREG programme.

I am also involved in the EU urban agenda in respect of which I am involved in overseeing 12 actions plan. They are trying to develop action plans covering everything from employment action plans to housing action plans. Recently, I brought a delegation from my city council to the European Parliament. We met representatives of the European Investment Bank, EIB, and they outlined what they could and could not do for our council. I am aware that certain bodies in my city have drawn down funding from the EIB because of our interaction with the EIB, and that also applies to other cities, including Limerick. We are involved in the new skills agenda, which is discussed in other committees of these Houses. In terms of the European capital programme, I am a member of the jury on the European volunteering capital. There are also the areas of sports and youth. Galway will be the European Capital of Culture in two years time. There is also the European capital of innovation award. It involves more than merely twinning. There are many opportunities into which we are deeply diving. The opinions in this context are major toolkits for how we can advance our cities and regions. From a rural development perspective, we are championing the Cork 2.0 Declaration 2016: A Better Life in Rural Areas. We try to make sure that our rural regions are looked after. We are not only examining one or two elements but are deep diving into 14 or 15 elements at any one time and trying to get the best out of that. We are doing a good job but we need more support to get the message across that all these opportunities are available.