Ms Orlaigh Quinn:

I think so, definitely, Senator.

The Chairman asked me about the reasoned opinion but I cannot comment on that. That is a matter for the Chairman and the committee to decide. This proposal builds on what was already there and there are not significant differences in it. As such, it will be on that basis that we would have given our opinion in terms of subsidiarity. We view it as something that has already existed and which member states do not have to take up if they do not wish to, although that would not be seen to be helpful.

On the point of Ireland not being represented, if there are particular proposals, which appear to be emerging, that programme countries would get a reduced matching funding, Ireland would benefit from that approach.