Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I thank the Senator. At its heart, alliance building is about understanding each other. The organisations here today are both completely different types of organisations, but if they had to quantify it, how well do the witnesses think their members understand the issues of their peers in other countries? How well do the witnesses believe their peers in other member states understand the issues, problems and difficulties we have to deal with in Ireland? Do the representatives have any thoughts on which member states are or could be our strongest partners? Are there any particular countries that The Wheel or the Law Society of Ireland might look to first, especially with their vast experience over the years? Would the witnesses have any advice for others on increasing engagements with EU peers from their own line of work? What is the groups' reaction to that?

With regard to time, it may look as though we are short on members today and I must apologise. Sometimes committee members are at other meetings. One of our members was speaking in the Dáil a while ago. He was here earlier but he had to leave to prepare for that. Members do, however, get to see and hear all of the reports and the discussions that have taken place. It is all a matter of public record. I ask that witnesses keep their responses concise because we have an agenda also for our private session.