Ms Celene Craig:

I thank the Senator for her questions. I will deal first with the new European works scheme. That will be a matter for an coimisiún na meán once it is established. The BAI has been staying very close to the way in which the legislation is being prepared and helping to put some shape on it. We have also been liaising with our European colleagues on how the measure is being given effect in other jurisdictions. There are a few aspects to consider. The first, which the Senator touched on, will be to look at the potential value of the scheme and the implications for those who fall within its scope in terms of the raising of the moneys that will , in effect, create the fund to support the European works scheme. That will involve identifying the players in Ireland who potentially can contribute. There is a lot of complexity in assessing the means by which the funds will be raised.

More generally, the shape of the scheme will be a matter for an coimisiún na meán. The objectives of the scheme need to be crystallised clearly. There are many issues to consider in setting out its objectives.