Gabhaim buíochas leis an Cathaoirleach Gníomhach agus leis an Aire Stáit. I have a few points to make rather than a duplication of points that other Members have made. I welcome the updates, in particular, for the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. The simplification and reduction of administrative and regulatory burdens is something that dovetails with our objectives in the programme for Government. The second point is in relation to the multi-annual financial framework, particularly vis-à-vis ensuring we have a well-funded Common Agricultural Policy, particularly to improve areas of biodiversity and food security. However, I ask the Minister of State to pardon my cynicism in light of the absence of a land use policy in this country to ensure the best use is made of tillage land. In parts of our constituency of Meath East, we have a proliferation of solar panels. I do not want the wrong message to be taken from this, but there is a need for balanced development and for a land use policy. Many vibrant and prosperous rural communities are very worried about this matter at present. Energy union endeavours vis-à-vis Ireland and our rising energy costs are absolutely to be welcomed and we must feel the benefit of that. At a side committee of the Euro summit, on 20 March, in relation to the ECB, Ms Christine Lagarde made a presentation on the digital euro. While I completely understand and support digitisation, I raise a flag of caution here vis-à-vis our older people. It is a simple request to ensure they are able to access their own resources. That is a concern. With all of the good work that is done, we must approach it in a balanced and fair intergenerational way.

Sentiment score: 0.32

Thus far the European Union has spent approximately €135 billion in support of the Ukrainian effort. While it is premature, I am just wondering if the Commission has considered, similar to the US, the thought of a repayment plan or indeed any type of cross-investment or resource access? It is premature but, in light of the conversations vis-à-vis tariffs and the pending uncertainty of future trade with the US, I would imagine we are thinking in terms of a wider interdependency and movement of funding from member states collectively. I ask the Minister of State to pardon my naivety or ignorance in my second question. There are different agendas for the different Council meetings. I am wondering how often the healthcare piece appears on the agenda. To cross-check that with the programme for Government, there is a stated objective for expansion and development in the area of orphan drugs and clinical trials. The legislation around that in this country dates back to 1986. While European legislation is a bit younger, it is an area that needs to be strengthened and modernised for Ireland to go down that route as a stated objective over the next five years.

Sentiment score: 0.03