Mr. Niall Cody:

Obviously, the political decision will have to be played. One thing that is really noticeable in the entire process is how the European Union has put Ireland's interests first. I cannot imagine that on 29 March next it will state to Ireland that a given position is completely unacceptable. I have listened to a good deal of the discussion and debate in the media on how, ultimately, when it comes to it, Ireland will be left swinging. What has happened in recent days has been singularly important for Ireland. I really hope things will follow through.

At the start the Chairman talked about how officials would not become involved in the area of policy. I reckon I am probably in the biggest policy area for the country. Last June I was before the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach talking about various aspects of Brexit. I have been quoted and name-checked by various Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom. A friend sent me a text message. He was watching "The Late Late Show" when Brexit was being discussed and told me that I had been name-checked based on partial stuff I had said. I do not think it would be helpful. Seeing that I am a sad individual, I find myself watching the House of Commons public accounts committee where I am also mentioned. That committee would like to have me over to talk to it about all of these things, but it would be better all round to let the process take its course in the context of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach. I can understand perfectly each time I am attending anything the reason people want to know what will happen, but I think we would all be better off in letting the policy take its course. I am willing to come back at any time to talk about it when we are in a better position to talk about it.