Mr. Mick Wallace:

I thank the Chairman and Senator Leyden for all of their kind words. It has taken us a while to find our feet. Everything is very different, but we are trying.

On Brexit, if truth be told, we are very much at the mercy of what the British will decide. They do not yet know what they want, where they are going or what will happen. Therefore, it is very hard for anyone else to know.

Anything could happen. It is not guaranteed that it will happen but, obviously, it looks like it will. The shape of it is very much in the hands of the British and there is not much that others can do about it.

There will be opportunities to question some of the new Commissioners next week. There was a lot of debate over the election of President-elect von der Leyen but whether things change very much remains to be seen. She talked a lot about an emphasis on environmental issues from now on. Whether she matches that talk with deeds remains to be seen. Hopefully, she will match it with actions. If one had attended or watched the plenary for the three different weeks during which we were in Strasbourg, one could see that the environment and dealing with the challenges of climate change are paramount in all the groups and there is a broad consensus that things must change. I know that President Tusk made an announcement yesterday and spoke as if everything is grand, the EU is doing great and everyone else would not do as well but truth be told, the EU is not doing near enough and things must change otherwise we will not solve the problems at which we are looking. Significant changes are required. I believe MEPs from various countries and different parties are all feeling pressure from their own people that things cannot continue as they are and must change. There is no doubt that environmental issues will be paramount. They will be the biggest game in town for the next couple of years.

The idea of linking with committees at home in this manner is an excellent idea that makes sense. Obviously, it cuts out the travel, which is a significant factor. It is mind numbing at times and we must do less of it. Holding a meeting using this format is an excellent idea because it is important for us to tap into the committees at home as much we can.