Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Today's meeting strengthens the case for a network of EU affairs officers across our local authorities. They should not just be seen as individuals who assist local authorities navigate the myriad of funding opportunities. They can also play a key role in information provision, education and communicating the positive work of, for example, the European Committee of the Regions. There is perhaps merit in sending a communication supporting this strategy to the Minister at the end of the meeting.

I have a final question on cohesion funds. I mentioned that Ireland, which is now a net contributor, does not benefit to the same extent as other countries now do from cohesion and structural funds. However, the Irish people see our membership of the European Union in a very positive light. I think 90% of Irish citizens view our membership positively, yet Euroscepticism is growing in some countries in receipt of significant levels of cohesion, structural and RRDF funding. How do we reconcile that scepticism when there is so much EU funding coming in to these countries? I do not share the view, but an individual has suggested to me that some local and regional authorities are using cohesion funds as slush funds and not communicating the source of these funds. What does Ms Tütt say in response to those claims?