Ms Maria Walsh:

I thought we were in a good flow when we started with the lads and then transitioned to mise anseo. I thank the Chair for bringing me in and for her questions. The first meeting of the partnership council is scheduled to take place in London tomorrow. Mr. Markey or Mr. Andrews can speak on the logistics around it because I am not au faitwith them and do not wish to waste time on it. I will revert directly to the Chair on what I am hearing as she is only down the road from me.

On the vote on the protocol in four years’ time, as with the Chair, I do not see a solution yet other than through continuous engagement, working with citizens North and South and highlighting that solidarity is needed now more than ever. I also anticipate and hope that, as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe which was officially launched on 9 May and will run until next year, space will be given to look at what Brexit means to our citizens and political representatives, including at local level, within the space of citizen engagement and in anticipation of what things will look like in four years because Brexit is not going away any time soon. It will continue to be a talking point, which is the reason conversations are needed, whether on one or two issues or, as with this engagement, covering a series of issues in order that we all learn from each other and Ireland Inc. is not resting on the shoulders of certain MEPs in the European Parliament but on all of us.

On Senator Lombard’s point, because I do not sit on the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, AGRI, I will let our colleague, Mr. Markey, respond on the issue of produce.

On tourism and the all-Ireland strategy, there is funding available for North-South tourism promotion. I love Senator Lombard’s vision on this. I see Senator Ó Donnghaile nodding his head in agreement. Perhaps Senators and Members of the European Parliament can work together collectively on a whole island vision, rather than singing into a vacuum. I will get back to Senator Lombard on that.

I will have to get back to Senator Ó Donnghaile on the European health insurance card when I have clarity. I will speak to some of my colleagues on that issue.

On the digital certificate, about which I was also asked by a constituent living on the Border yesterday, the latest news I have from the permanent representative in Brussels is that it is currently based on residency but the EU is in negotiation with third countries, including the UK and the US, on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates. That sounds like Brussels-speak but it is the information we received. I will follow up on that and link directly with Senator Ó Donnghaile on it.