Ms Gillian Coughlan:

I agree with the president. I thank the Deputy for his question. It is like being a member of any club. We must ask ourselves what the benefits are and if membership is worth it to us. The member states, and they are still member states, have to ask themselves how their citizens are benefiting. We need to continue to keep this question alive. The benefits include the Common Market, the free travel area and the euro. The benefits are so magnificent. As the Deputy said, we are net contributors now and this is not something we should have to apologise for and nor should any other country have to apologise for it. It is about perhaps framing the rhetoric. Countries are paying into this fund but let us look at the benefits accruing to our citizens. It really does come down to this point and this message must be reiterated repeatedly.