Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

It is particularly appropriate in the area of child abduction, in which Ms Banotti made her name, as well as health care, homelessness and the recognition of professional qualifications. I am not sure how Ms Banotti finds time to set her mind to all of these different areas, which require a great deal of research. I know she is very much still alive and I hope the word "retirement" will not enter her vocabulary. I do not like the word, which should be removed from the dictionary. Although Ms Banotti does not intend to run for the European Parliament again, I hope she will remain active.

Ms Banotti described the area of child abduction beautifully, particularly when she mentioned how easy it is for one to become trapped. She could have a huge role in deciding how best to make this country's educational system work. The problem of child abduction is faced by many people.

I have always been concerned by the fact that although a great deal of work is being done at EU level, we do not seem to be able to make a connection with citizens. I hope Ms Banotti will comment on this matter. As the Convention on the Future of Europe and the enlargement process proceed, can Ms Banotti see a way of making improvements in this regard? We are trying to make improvements, for example by giving more powers to the Joint Committee on European Affairs, by having many debates on the future of Europe in this House and by attending the Forum on Europe. We do not seem to be able to make the link, however. I blame the media for this. We have to make improvements. Perhaps next year's European elections will give a huge thrust to the debate. I would like Ms Banotti's views on this matter. I thank her for attending this debate and I wish her well in the future.