Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their attendance. The position of the European Commission has been referenced a number of times in response to questions. The correspondence directly between the Department has been mentioned and a parliamentary question by Mr. Chris MacManus, MEP. Mr. MacManus, MEP, received a response that did not say what the Department is saying now. It set out the position but said it was up to the member state to confirm whether the conditions of the derogation of Article 105(4) of the regulation are met. It is an important distinction.

I have experience of dealing with the European Union and the institutions. There is a method of ensuring arrangements can be put in place legally or procedurally. The first instance is that a government has to want them to change.

Do the officials agree the prevailing situation whereby licensed merchants are able to prescribe and supply these products should continue?