Ms Sinéad McPhillips:

I thank the Cathaoirleach. What Ireland has said consistently is that those standards and safeguards, particularly in relation to environmental standards, are really important and that intensive engagement by the Commission is needed to explain and justify the details of the final package to both member states and stakeholders. It is really important that there is an understanding of what is in scope and what the Commission has now offered. At official level we continue, with our counterparts in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to interrogate what has been put on the table. Certainly, at political level, the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and the Tánaiste have asked for further engagement. We understand that the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Mr. Šefovi will visit Ireland in early October and there will be an opportunity then for engagement and further understanding of the Commission's interpretation of those safeguards.