Ms Maria Walsh:

I thank the Senator again and it is lovely to put a name to a face and vice versa. On the Senator’s point in respect of the deficit that we have North and South, to refer to Senator Blaney’s question earlier, it was a great oversight to lose representation at a European front, even while Brexit was ongoing. We are nowhere near ending that. I notice that the Senator is nodding in agreement. This will continue through our remaining mandate, if not beyond that.

I take, like and agree with the Senator’s point around a special rapporteur using the European Committee of the Regions. This can ensure a cross-Border conversation is continuously happening. Looking at the north-west regions and how they identify will be very beneficial to us all because it means that all voices are included and that when and if a Border poll happens, we will have all voices at the table and nobody will feel left behind.

On the point on orphan drugs, not to be simplistic on this issue but we now have a blueprint because of the way we purchase as a bloc, referring to the point made by Senator Chambers earlier on the vaccines. There are certainly bumps along the road. Like all things, we learned as we went, but it is a brilliant way to ensure EU solidarity continues on into other forms.

I also want to flag that we are having a rise in HIV and AIDS, not just in Ireland but across the European Union and further afield. When we talk about vaccines or orphan drugs in any shape or form, we also have to look at what is emerging to ensure we play our part in EU solidarity. I thank the Members for the questions.