Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for presenting their thoughts and ideas. It is interesting that we had just discussed some of the issues Ms Potzel outlined before she joined us. We discussed migration and the future of Europe and we are all on the same page on those matters. I would be interested to hear the ambassador's thoughts on those two issues. What are the key priorities for Germany in those two areas and what is Germany doing in terms of the future of Europe? Does Ms Potzel have any ideas or suggestions for us? We are starting to have that conversation now.

I am glad Mr. de Almeida e Sousa mentioned the blue economy.

It is one of the areas where there is a huge opportunity for Ireland. We have not realised the true value of the blue economy in this country and it is a key priority for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Brexit brings this into sharp focus because it will impact that sector for us but there are still many opportunities that remain untapped. I would be interested to hear Mr. de Almeida e Sousa's thoughts on that particular topic. What is Portugal doing in this area? Does Mr. de Almeida e Sousa have any recommendations for areas we should focus on? I hope the United Nations Ocean Conference goes ahead next year. We have to be positive that things will hopefully get back to normality.