Mr. Maro? ?efovi:

It has not changed. I can read a more detailed text. If it is still not at the level of detail Deputy Harkin needs we will be very happy to come back to her. The question she is referring to is covered by the agreement between the Commission and the UK Government.

EU State aid rules referred to in Article 10(1) are only applicable to subsidies that have a genuine and direct link to Northern Ireland. For this genuine and direct link to exist, the subsidy in question needs to have real foreseeable effects on trade between Northern Ireland and the EU. These effects should be material, rather than merely hypothetical or presumed. The mere placement of goods on the Northern Ireland market is therefore not sufficient, on its own, to create a genuine and direct link.

This is when it comes to goods. I understand Senator Harkin has been referring to services and tendering work. If I understand correctly, this is about looking for workers to work in Northern Ireland. To provide Senator Harkin with a detailed answer I will have to consult with our experts. I do not think the Windsor Framework focuses on this specific issue. The bigger topic is most probably covered by the agreement but I would prefer to give Deputy Harkin a precise answer, most probably in writing, so as not to mislead anyone.