Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Taoiseach for his comprehensive outline of what happened at the European Council. He indicated we will have initial sight of the next multi-annual financial framework this month. It is critical that we see a fully funded EU budget. From Ireland's point of view, it is critical that the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, is fully funded and is not just there to meet current requirements. While it is essential and correct that we support Ukraine's path to membership, CAP must be sufficient to meet the needs of an enlarged European Union, particularly in terms of Ukraine being a sufficient beneficiary under Pillar 2. Perhaps the Taoiseach could outline some further detail on that.

Regarding European competitiveness, and I know the Taoiseach has been very supportive, it is critical that we see movement on the capital markets union to ensure greater availability of capital throughout Europe. This does not just benefit business; it also benefits consumers because consumers in Ireland could see better value in terms of financial and insurance products. I would be grateful if the Taoiseach could provide detail on those.

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