Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Commissioner for all of his work. One thing that is evident is the solidarity that has been shown across all of the European Union member states throughout this process, in particular about recognising the importance of the Single Market and the Good Friday Agreement. We are very grateful for that.

I have three questions. The Commissioner mentioned the Brexit adjustment reserve fund, which is very welcome, to support those businesses that have been impacted by Brexit. Quite a number in Ireland will benefit from it. If there were to be a breakdown in the trading arrangement and a trade war were to develop, unfortunately, something we obviously do not want to see happen, will the Commissioner give us some assurances in terms of supports for businesses that may be impacted in Ireland and in other parts of the European Union?

Agreements are written on paper, but much is based around trust. There has been, clearly, a diminution of trust between the EU and the UK over a period. What can we do collectively as parliamentarians to enhance the levels of trust between the European Union and the UK?

Something that contributes in a major way to that lack of trust is the problem with some elements of the UK media that have spread for more than 40 years and continue to spread misinformation and disinformation about the European Union. Of late, they seem to be doing everything they can to undermine co-operation and the trade and co-operation agreement. How can we send the message to those sections of the UK media that the sky is not falling in, that the European Union is very united on these issues and they also need to tone down their rhetoric?