Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I extend a warm welcome to our colleagues on the Committee of the Regions and thank them for their work. As this meeting is being live-streamed and they can obtain copies of their contributions to the meeting, it is a great opportunity for them to show what they are doing in Europe. As they will know, it is hard to get that message across in the media. So many things are happening that it is hard for the media to concentrate on the councillors' work as well as other issues.

We are in a vacuum of sorts today because it is an historic day. As we speak, the British Cabinet is meeting at 10 Downing Street, and its decision is vital to the Brexit discussions. I am optimistic that the cabinet will agree to these terms, which are good from the United Kingdom's point of view. What is good for the UK will be good for us too, and it is vital the UK gets a good deal. All of our diplomats and the Government are working hard, and there is a total united approach to the talks in Ireland, or at least in the Republic of Ireland. The Government has the full support of all the Opposition parties, Independents and everyone else that we get the best deal. We are singing from the one hymn sheet and we have the green jersey on. Given their work in Europe, the councillors will recognise the diplomatic support that represents Ireland. The top diplomats, from the ambassador to all his staff in Brussels, have worked closely with Mr. Michel Barnier to get the best deal. I am conscious of that and we are fortunate to have that type of relationship.

From the point of view of the Committee of the Regions, there will be a change from the end of March one way or another, when the UK leaves the European Union. There is no likelihood of another referendum. We in the committee have travelled extensively, for example with the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs and the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, and the signs suggest that the UK will try to make the best of its current situation, which the people decided. Going back would be fraught with danger and I do not see it happening. The next step will be the British Government putting it to the parliament. The Taoiseach announced earlier that the Dáil will also have a say on the final agreement, but it will be guided by the recommendations of the diplomats and the Government.

When these negotiations are completed, it is important that we have direct access to the land bridge through the United Kingdom into mainland Europe because it is the fastest way to mainland Europe, aside from direct links. The use of the tunnel and land bridge is the quickest way to get our product onto the markets in Europe. I have been involved with the National College of Ireland to devise technologies that could allow for a seamless transfer of goods from the Republic through Britain without obstruction. We are working on it and we are meeting the Customs and Excise tomorrow to put forward a proposal. I am sure other people are also working on it, and the more people who work on these solutions, the better. There are technological solutions, through knowing what goods are on the trucks going through the land bridge, and they will prevent delays. It cannot be that fresh meat from Kepak in Athleague will be held up in Dover before it is sent abroad. Much work, therefore, needs to be done.

The councillors' work will now intensify to a degree. The committee has a particular interest in Northern Ireland because it is in Europe to represent Northern Ireland's views. There will be no representatives from Northern Ireland because its equivalent committee will be gone, as will its MEPs. The work of the Committee of the Regions based in the Republic, therefore, will be extended. I hope its activities in Europe will be fully funded for the future because of the additional responsibilities it will have.

Councillor Murphy said support is forthcoming for regional funding for broadband in rural areas. Will he elaborate briefly on that? A report on the ongoing negotiations for the extension of broadband in rural areas is anticipated. The best people to carry out the extension are the ESB and, possibly, Eir and Bord na Móna. State agencies are required. I greatly regret that Eircom was sold to the private sector, and we have never needed it more than we do now, but that is life. If I was in a position of power, I would buy the company back and take over its infrastructure. In the long term, it would be the best approach because it has the infrastructure to provide broadband in rural areas, as does the ESB. Technology has improved. Previously, one could not put broadband wiring on the ESB lines but circumstances have changed slightly in that regard.

I thank the witnesses for attending. We have had regular meetings with the Committee of the Regions and I hope they will continue to take place more often in the discussions that will follow the outcome of the Brexit discussions.