Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is also reported that a process for reallocating the two EU agencies was agreed at the summit. I refer to the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority. According to press reports, there was extensive lobbying at the summit en marge, and the Taoiseach was involved. I understand that a decision will be taken on the relocation of these agencies next month at the General Affairs Council and that it might involve a vote. Can the Minister of State assure us that Ireland's case with regard to these agencies is being put forcefully? Will the Minister of State report on our lobbying as regards those two agencies?

At the Tallinn digital summit last month, the need to complete the digital Single Market within a year was agreed. It was also agreed that the EU should be the global leader of the digital economy. This means having the EU Single Market freedoms go digital. This is in the interest of businesses and citizens and it is important for us to meet the challenge. As the Taoiseach said earlier in the House, it is challenging but it is essential for our economic growth and to putting Europe to the forefront of the global economy. Will the Minister of State assure us that Ireland is to the forefront in meeting the challenge? Given our unique circumstances and with so many corporations involved in the area here, it would benefit Ireland and I hope that all 27 of us can meet the challenge.

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