Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Mairead McGuinness, MEP, to the House and, in particular, the words used by her in her address. I welcome also that she is responsible for the food and agriculture area. We greatly appreciate her work. Ms McGuinness will be aware that I was in charge of euro commerce for a number of years. She is highly regarded by all in business as someone who can wear both hats in terms of representing the consumer and the agricultural producer. I was delighted to hear her comment on the DNA testing issue. Ireland is way ahead of the rest of the world in DNA testing, which was first developed in Trinity College Dublin and has been further developed since.

I would like to speak on some wider topics. For instance, can Ms McGuinness comment on Chancellor Angela Merkel's recent statement to MEPs: "The EU commission will eventually become a government, the council of member states an "upper chamber" and the European Parliament more powerful, but fixing the eurozone problems is more urgent for now." It appears to me she is suggesting we are automatically heading towards a federal Europe. I would welcome Ms McGuinness's view on whether this is a good thing, if this is the way we should be going or if we should be debating more than that.

My second point is about leaving the European Union. Following Mr. David Cameron's speech last week, there is now real discussion in the United Kingdom about its leaving the European Union. If the UK was to withdraw from the EU in four years time, would Ireland have to follow? The UK is our biggest trading partner.

Some politicians would argue otherwise, but our historic and current links with Britain are considerable. Would it be so bad to follow if we retained our trading links with Europe, as Norway has done, while reinforcing our links with the UK and retaining most of the powers from the EU? To date, I have been an enthusiastic European, almost to the extent of, like a teenager, loving everything to do with Europe. However, I would start to question it if Britain left in four years time. We have time to consider the issue and I would welcome Ms McGuinness' opinions.

Europe's recognition of the independence of Kosovo is mixed. Ireland has recognised its independence while Spain, Slovakia, Cyprus, Romania and Greece have not. What does this issue hold in store for the EU? After Kosovo, where will the calls for independence finish? What of Catalonia, the Basque country and Scotland? Surely the future of integration is receding due to the crisis. How can Ireland and the EU avoid further calls for independence from around Europe?

Having been in business, I would welcome further research, through a detailed audit, on the cost of European legislation to Ireland. It is easy for MEPs in Brussels to pass regulations and legislation and for same to be transposed into Irish legislation, but such laws can have a significant effect on Irish business, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises, SMEs. Highlighting this negative side of the EU might change it for the better. Could do this done?

Has the euro been an utter failure and could we adopt another policy? We were such enthusiasts for the euro while we were doing well. Two weeks ago, one of the main architects of the single European currency, Jacques Delors, stated that the eurozone had been flawed from the beginning and that political leaders had turned a blind eye to the fundamental weaknesses and imbalances of member states' economies. Commenting on those who, like the British, objected to euro membership on the grounds that the currency could not work without a state, he stated that they had a point. This was from Jacques Delors, the hero of the euro.

According to the Icelandic Prime Minister, Iceland would either adopt the euro after joining the EU - I had not realised the implications of this - or drop the krona and unilaterally adopt another currency. She stated: "The choice is between surrendering the sovereignty of Iceland in monetary policy by unilaterally adopting the currency of another country or become a member of the EU". EU membership would allow Iceland to do exactly this. It looks like it will join Europe. Is it possible that it will do so at a time when Britain is leaving Europe? If such events come to pass, all of Europe will be dramatically changed. I would welcome Ms McGuinness' opinion as someone who has been close to this debate for many years.