Ms Gillian Coughlan:

I thank Senator O'Loughlin for her questions. Yes, as a member of the Committee of the Regions, European best practice is something that we do get to see as we travel to different cities and meet other councillors. The whole idea is that we learn from one another and see best practice. The frustrating thing is sometimes you cannot implement it when you come home. I would be loath to say at a council meeting, "When I was in Germany I saw this happening", because it is not going to be translated. That situation needs to be addressed, as we have discussed already.

On the relationship with MEPs, there is no formal network, Again, that is something as Team Ireland we need to address.