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

I thank Mr. Kiely and Ms O'Connell for their presentations. Mr. Kiely spoke about it being a moment for Europe and stated that Europe, and in particular the Commission, had risen to the occasion, while Ms O'Connell spoke about the EU being slow to start, not least in regard to a lack of solidarity shown to Italy. Generally speaking, the EU was slow to start. Initially, it was a case of every state for itself, but we are getting there and Mr. Kiely is probably correct that Europe has risen to the occasion, albeit only after some time.

My first question relates to the multiannual financial framework and the next generation EU. Mr. Kiely might wish to respond. Where are we with regard to agreeing to the next generation EU funds and the process of agreement throughout the EU institutions? Is there a timeline for that?

New, additional funds were mentioned. Has there been any indication as to how Ireland might draw down those potential funds? There was much discussion at a European Council meeting of the breakdown of grants versus loans. Borrowing on the international markets is cheap. Are these potential new funds as good as they sound? Has there been any indication that member states will draw them down? Do they have weaknesses, given that states themselves can borrow them? Mr. Kiely might comment on that and specifically in regard to Ireland.

On the issue of treaty change, many questions have been posed and answered already. Ms O'Connell spoke about the rise of populism, extremism and disinformation. We should be very careful about treaty change. Deputy Richmond spoke about the difficulties in holding a referendum at this time, or at any stage in the future, with this rise in populism, extremism and disinformation. This is just a comment. We should try to work within the treaties to deal with this healthcare issue. There will be a great deal of trouble regarding treaty change, particularly here in Ireland. If we are talking about health, I can see a few issues emerging in such a referendum debate and I would not like to go down that road. I am aware the Conference on the Future of Europe will deal with it but we need to work within the existing treaties.

Most of the questions have been posed and answered but I will comment on the common traffic light system. It seems to me that is academic at the moment given that EU member states are in lockdown. Ms O'Connell spoke about the second lockdown. I believe such a system will be useful but not at the moment. It is largely academic but I guess it will be useful as we come out of the second wave, with the numbers down, and out of lockdowns throughout the member states. Most of that is commentary but I would like the question on the Multiannual Financial Framework and the next generation EU to be answered.