Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank our witnesses for their comprehensive presentations. I will try to be succinct but many issues have been covered. I echo Senator O'Reilly's point that the engagement between the Seanad and MEPs is important. I will start by referring to Mr Markey's point about enhanced ferry capacity. Unsurprisingly, of course, I will mention that it remains increasingly important to continue to invest in Rosslare where most of that ferry capacity is being provided.

Coming to the Brexit adjustment reserve fund, which follows Senator O'Reilly's question around allowing a certain level of national discretion, I equally take the view that we should also encourage as much national discretion as possible when it comes to CAP.

Mr. Cuffe made reference to the issue of pets and to fisheries. Two of the issues that have come up before this committee in a big way and are of concern relate to some of the rules of origin issues in respect of flour and steel.

The question I have for the MEPs in this regard relates to the Brexit adjustment reserve fund and how it may be allocated, as well as other measures we can introduce. There are obviously very serious cost implications for flour and steel as a result of Brexit. Can the fund be used to offset some of that cost?

Ms Walsh made important points about the Erasmus programme and Horizon Europe funding. I welcome that the Commission has now dropped its plans to try to exclude the UK from certain aspects of Horizon Europe funding. What should we be doing or recommending to Irish higher education institutions and businesses in terms of getting a larger chunk of the Horizon Europe cake, particularly in a post-Brexit scenario where the UK may not be engaged to the same extent it was before with that programme?

An issue I have raised many times and that is of concern to the committee relates to the data adequacy decision. Even though there is a preliminary adequacy decision concerning exchange of data between the EU and the UK, the European Parliament has expressed concerns in that regard and some of those concerns seem to be legitimate. One or more of the witnesses might comment on that.

Finally, Mr. Andrews mentioned the article in The Daily Telegraphtoday by Maroš Šefovi, in which the Commissioner said the EU will not be shy in reacting swiftly if the UK acts unilaterally. It is important the EU sets out its position clearly in this regard. If the UK does act unilaterally, what are Mr. Andrews's fears about what could happen? What action should we be recommending to the Government in that regard?