Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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I am also delighted to welcome our guests and thank all of them for the work they have done on a continuous basis. Much of it is coming to a culmination in what we are expecting to emerge from the Cabinet meeting across the water, but I will be parochial, even though I do not like doing so. I know that all councillors and members have done huge work, but I compliment my local man in Clonmel, Councillor Murphy, on the leading role he has played and the work he does on a continuous basis in the county council on behalf of his constituents and also at the Committee of the Regions. I compliment him on the valuable work he has done and the wonderful seminar he organised. Councillor Forde said it had been held in Cork. He waited until the weather was a little cooler, but there was a full house and he had the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney as a guest. I know from the Chamber of Commerce in Clonmel that there was very positive feedback from it. Many of us have been preaching and talking about Brexit for so long, but it was consultative engagement with the very people who would be affected, namely, business people. They were asked how they might be affected and in what way they felt Brexit would impact on them. I know that the seminar was very beneficial and I received excellent feedback from it, even though I was not able to attend. It is important that we talk about this issue and take notice of the bottom up approach taken in consulting and sitting down with the Minister who was dealing with it, on a 24-hour basis at this stage. There has been great feedback and only time will tell what will happen. I know that these are anxious times and look forward to meeting the Taoiseach later this evening on behalf of our group for a briefing.

Councillor Murphy also mentioned the Competition Authority in the report of the Committee of the Regions. Perhaps he might expand on what he meant when he said he felt a lot of things could change and that there could be a better appreciation of how quickly things had evolved with the Internet and social media. Perhaps he might expand on how he thinks we are in a sticky wicket in the provision of broadband and ten to 15 years too late. As he obviously has an insight into the matter, he might expand on his views and explain what he meant.

The Committee of the Regions has been very beneficial. It has done excellent work and is important because its members are working at local level and understand business. I know that Councillor Murphy is involved with an important business in County Tipperary in his day job. I welcome all of the delegates. I am sorry for being parochial, but the work Councillor Murphy does is appreciated by the council, the chief executive, the members and, above all, business people in County Tipperary.