Ms Noelle O'Connell:

I thank the Chairman and Senator Doherty. Never waste a good crisis is certainly one expression we have heard. I could not possibly comment on Facebook knowing more about Senator Doherty than her husband.

We have seen the importance of the role played by communication and social media platforms in the Covid crisis. While they have misinformation and disinformation present, they equally provide sources of information, facts, engagement and dialogue. The Vestager report is interesting on how these platforms are used. I am aware it is one aspect the Commission will be looking at. We will have to continue to engage with the social media platforms to have this important and timely conversation.

I shall now turn to the Chairman's questions. As the Chairman has correctly said, it is impossible to divorce or dissociate the effects of the Covid pandemic from Brexit. It is difficult to silo them and attempt to resolve them in isolation. We have seen that Brexit has probably taken somewhat of a back seat as the Coronavirus pandemic focus has, understandably, driven efforts, conversations and attention. There is a risk with that, as this committee is well aware. The challenges facing Ireland are significant as we approach the end of the transition period. Hopefully that radio silence is positive and welcome in terms of the possibility of some form of a deal being reached. That will be welcome.

With regard to hindsight and looking back, the question arose as to whether the EU responded quickly enough. I alluded to this in my remarks. The EU is a little bit like a tanker. It takes a lot of Croke Park football fields to turn it around to change course and direction. It is probably more of a marathon runner than a sprinter. In something as challenging as this Covid pandemic, the effects of which, sadly, will be with us for a while to come, it is encouraging and welcome to see that the EU has adapted and has gotten into its stride more effectively. The member states have also begun to collaborate and co-ordinate more efficiently, thereby leading and lending to the greater effectiveness and efficacy of the European Union as a hugely important actor in combatting the worst effects of this pandemic for all of its citizens.