Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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I think the IIEA for its presentation today and the ongoing work it is doing on the European Union. I have attended many of its events in North Great George's Street, which are always very interesting and produce lively discussion among its members. It is interesting to listen to the scientific approach of our speakers to alliance building. This is a subject the committee has given some attention to since the Brexit referendum in the UK. The scientific approach to this issue is an interesting perspective and one which we will consider further.

I was delighted when Miss Donoghue stated that the practice of Irish diplomacy and networking by the Irish foreign service is worthy of note. We can be very proud of our diplomats at European Union level in advancing our interests and those of the European Union. We have had the national statement on the future of Europe, which was debated in the Dáil just before Easter. This will feed into the strategic agenda later this month at the European Council meeting.

I have two questions in addition to my main contribution which is to thank our guests for the work they doing. On the question of personal relationships, particularly at European Council level, what weight would our guests give to relationships at that level, namely, between Heads of State and Government when they meet and the friendships that build up? Do our guests believe they are critical, slightly important or something else, apart from all the other work that is being done?

Ms Donoghue also mentioned the Franco-German alliance. That is central to the EU and we all watch it very carefully. It occurs to me that if the Taoiseach of the day, regardless of who it is, has a good relationship with the German Chancellor or French President, it is always in Ireland's interest. How important are personal relationships at European Council level?

In the experience of our guests, do they consider that Ireland is looked upon as something of a bold child, as it were, within the European Union, having regard to our banking crisis, the bailout and so forth? Are we considered problematic as to the Northern Ireland backstop and Border situation? We have been taking up a great deal of the EU's attention. We punch above our weight and are well respected but do some of our allies or colleagues consider us as problematic from time to time because of these various issues?