Speeches

Mr President, over the past week, Ireland has confirmed several outbreaks of bird flu, in a serious blow to the sector just weeks before Christmas. We have also seen outbreaks in 15 other EU countries. Farmers and producers are extremely worried, and rightly so. The risk of culling is high, and the losses are very real for farming incomes, which is likely to have a direct knock-on impact on our food supply chains. Solving this issue is bigger than any one country. Farmers and producers are going to great lengths and incurring significant costs to protect their flocks in the middle of an already challenging period. So, with that in mind, I have several questions for the Commission. Firstly, can we get an update on the Commission's latest monitoring and coordination of the outbreaks? Has the Commission considered supporting vaccination trials or is work being done on genetic resistance? Can we explore an EU research budget to find a common answer to this problem? And finally, would the Commission be open to exploring the EU-backed insurance or risk pool supported by agri-food producers and others operating in that space? I would be grateful if you could bring it back to the college for me.

Madam President, I want to start off by acknowledging that in tomorrow's voting session, we will have the opportunity to adopt a landmark proposal to revise the EU's electoral act to allow MEPs to vote by proxy during pregnancy and maternity. And the enormous work done on this issue by Parliament President Roberta Metsola should be noted. More broadly, however, while our latest gender equality strategy set ambitious goals, progress has been modest at best. Tackling gender-based violence must mean full implementation of the new Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. We need real results from the EU action plan on women's health, especially on diseases that affect women disproportionately – on diseases like Alzheimer's, for example. We must monitor and enforce the Pay Transparency Directive, and we cannot ignore care – still a major structural inequality. The next gender equality strategy for 2026 and beyond must be ambitious, it must be measurable and it must be binding.

Mr President, Europe's long‑term budget should be a reflection of our EU priorities, and today our farmers and food security must be at the top of that list. Farmers are being asked to deliver on climate action, food production and improving animal welfare conditions. They lead on the green transition, yet face rising costs and the threat of a shrinking budget. Any cut to agricultural funding will be out of touch with our economic, geopolitical and climate reality. I welcome Monday's MFF revisions and the introduction of a rural target, but this is only the beginning. We need stronger commitments, further legal certainty and guarantees that the CAP and cohesion will not be diluted. We need answers from the Commission. Will the minimum 10 % allocation for rural development be ring‑fenced for agriculture? And is the Commission open to further increasing this base? Will the 5 % earmark for Leader funding remain?

Madam President, in Ireland, around 3 500 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed every year. This is much more than just a number – it represents thousands of women, families and communities affected. A recent report evaluating Europe's Beating Cancer plan shows, among other things, that we need more funding for early prevention and detection and a greater investment in staffing and skills. So I have a few questions: a cancer plan was not included in the 2026 work programme released this week, so can you give more detail on how the Commission plans to address the ongoing issues in prevention, detection and screening highlighted in the evaluation report? Can you please provide an updated timeline highlighting which actions remain unachieved? And specifically, what is the Commission doing to assist Member States on reaching their screening targets? Investment in research, people and screening will save lives.

Madam President, women and girls who face violence, either in their home or elsewhere, live with real pain, and often their lives are changed forever. In Ireland, new plans have been announced for the introduction of 'Jennie's Law'. Jennifer Poole was tragically murdered by her ex-partner in 2021. This new law proposes that those who are convicted of domestic violence are publicly named on a new domestic violence register. This is a significant step forward. It will mean that if someone has concerns about their partner's history, they can check against a public database. But passing laws such as this should be only the start. We must increase our support to those services which provide assistance for those facing domestic and sexual-based violence. Across my own constituency, I have been honoured to visit organisations like Teach Tearmainn, in Kildare, and Meath's Women's Refuge and Support Services. And finally, we must ensure that the recently finalised directive on combating domestic violence is implemented in full, across all 27 Member States.

Mr President, I want to congratulate Mr Halicki and all the rapporteurs for their hard work on this. Last year, 20 000 Irish students took part in Erasmus+, gaining invaluable experience across Europe. Erasmus+ is more than a programme. It drives competitiveness, employability, innovation and resilience, while connecting young people to Europe. That is why I was deeply disappointed to see the Council propose cuts to the 2026 EU budget for Erasmus+. Young people must not pay the price for repaying NextGenerationEU. We have come together in this Parliament to propose an increase of EUR 5 million for Erasmus+ in next year's budget to make Erasmus+ accessible for all. As we plan the next framework, we must focus more on skills, training and apprenticeships. We need to do more to increase to ensure Erasmus+ reaches beyond universities. We will better prepare the next generation by doing so.

Mr President, it's been over ten years since the EU last updated its rules on tobacco, vaping products and advertising. But in that time, vaping rates, particularly among children, have soared. Today, around 36 % of young people in Ireland aged between 13 to 16 say they vape, despite having never smoked before. Our rules are no longer fit for purpose. We must take steps to ban disposable vapes and restrict features that make them so appealing to children, especially on packaging and flavours. But new rules alone will not be enough. Improved education and implementation will be needed too. In Ireland, we have banned the sale of vapes to under 18s, but too many shops ignored the law. And if we change the rules offline, they must also be applied online too. I am particularly concerned about the sale of vapes to children through social media platforms like Snapchat, so we can't look at this issue in isolation. We must look at how the EU digital rules can close these loopholes too.

Mr President, last year, Women's Aid Ireland recorded the highest ever number of domestic violence incidents in the last 50 years. Over 41 000 women reported abuse by a partner or an ex-partner, and more than 5 000 children were affected. This is an alarming situation and it is happening right across Europe. This Parliament has made it clear that women's rights must be central to the strength of our democracy and societies. Last year, the EU directive on combating violence against women was adopted. Now this piece of legislation must be fully implemented. We need to support survivors. We must help them seek access to justice and improve coordination between various authorities. This also means investment. And so I want to welcome this week's Irish budget, which has put an additional EUR 11.5 million towards tackling domestic and gender-based violence. It is a step forward, but we must go further. We must seek to create a zero-tolerance society for violence, where every woman and girl can thrive and live in safety.

Madam President, seven years ago, this Parliament awarded the European Citizens' Prize to Ireland's Men's Shed and since then, women's sheds have also flourished. Today, thousands of members are active across both networks and the movement continues to grow. These sheds are places where people come together, share skills and build community ties. We must now consider how Europe can support them further. The EU skills agenda should be a start. At a time of skills crisis in many sectors, sheds pass on knowledge across generations, from joinery to upholstery, metalwork, gardening and woodwork. This is also why rural development funding and the leader programme must also be safeguarded in the next EU budget, so sheds can apply and look to draw down on this funding on top of national financing. Rent, insurance, heating and access to dedicated premises are vital to sustaining these initiatives. These schemes are at the heart of our rural communities and it's a model that we should see scaled up across Europe.

Madam President, as we age, more of us will be touched by dementia. In Ireland alone, 64 000 people are currently living with dementia – a number expected to rise to 150 000 by the middle of the century. It is the third leading cause of mortality in Europe and the seventh across the world. The economic cost is staggering: in Europe, in 2019, it amounted to EUR 392 billion, with much of this burden falling on families and carers. Despite these statistics, dementia research is chronically underfunded. Under the current Horizon Europe framework, there are only 191 dementia projects. Last month, Commissioner Serafin provided a commitment to take the call to create a dedicated research mission on dementia under Horizon Europe back to your colleagues. This would build on the success of the research mission on cancer. I urge the Commission to deliver on this. Better research means better care, better support for families, and a better future for all of us.

Mr President, I would like to thank the rapporteur for his report. I recently held an event in Parliament highlighting the barriers to physical activity and the opportunities we have to break them down. What was clear is that investment across the EU remains insufficient. We know the benefits of participation in physical activity, from reducing chronic diseases, improving mental well-being, fostering inclusion to supporting people with disabilities. I've seen these benefits first-hand during my sporting career, where health and fitness were central to the job. When I retired from sport, I quickly felt how inactivity can creep up on us and the challenges that come with keeping fit. We must keep campaigning to encourage physical activity and participation in sport for all, and this needs to be backed up with momentum and resources from Europe. As an MEP, I've been lucky enough to visit many counties across my constituency this year to see first-hand the great sporting initiatives taking place. At Mullaghmore Equestrian Centre in Monaghan, therapeutic horse riding helps children with autism and disabilities build confidence and improve their physical strength. Meanwhile, in Galway, the installation of 'BoxUps' in public parks has provided free access to sports equipment, helping communities come together and encouraging participation for all. Sport breaks down barriers and can truly change lives, so why aren't we investing more? Commissioner, in the next long-term EU budget we have a real opportunity to recognise sports infrastructure as an investment area within the European Regional Development Fund framework and to ringfence Erasmus+ funding for sport. Now, more than ever, we must start treating physical activity as an essential part of preventative healthcare, before the cost of inaction is too great.

Mr President, as a co-chair of the European Alzheimer's Alliance, and having seen the impact of Alzheimer's firsthand, I understand the challenges families face after a diagnosis. The Commission statement today is welcome, but dementia and Alzheimer's must be given far greater priority. We have made significant strides in understanding dementia, but these will only matter if Europe is ready to act. That means establishing a dedicated research mission on dementia within Horizon Europe, a mission that can support organisations like Dementia Research Network Ireland leading work on aftercare, respite, research and policy reforms to improve quality of life. We know caregivers carry double the emotional, financial and physical stress, making this support vital for them too. I also want to see the Commission deliver on a European dementia action plan to bring together health, research and social policy. But to ensure that breakthroughs in science benefit patients, carers and families, strong policy frameworks must be in place. On World Alzheimer's Day on Sunday, 21 September, I look forward to joining the National Memory Walk in Ratoath, County Meath, and I encourage as many as possible to join me, standing in solidarity with families across Ireland and the EU who deserve hope and action.

Mr President, this week, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council warned that our drinks and spirits sector is uniquely exposed to tariffs. Boann Distillery, in the Boyne Valley, only entered the US market in February of this year. The Shed Distillery in Leitrim is another example of an Irish SME that has rooted itself in the US market. For them, the long-term threats are the hardest to measure. With the future of Trump's tariffs now before the US Supreme Court, we must be ready to re-engage. Commissioner, this threat also means new EU supports must be made available for exporters – supports that open new markets, help SMEs diversify and help funding in the next EU budget. We must also recognise the knock-on effect tariffs in the whisky sector have on the agri-food supply chain, in tillage especially. And finally, as Parliament's rapporteur on the UK relations, a word of caution: tariff divergence on the island of Ireland risks complicating the Windsor Framework. We cannot allow that to happen.

Madam President, let me start by saying that the current MFF proposal undermines cohesion policy. Cohesion must remain properly funded and accessible, not merged with CAP infrastructure and other priorities. By centralising management through single national plans, this proposal sidelines regional programmes and risks silencing the voices closest to citizens. In Ireland, I recently visited the Laois Public Participation Network. That partnership now has over 700 registered groups, representing more than 51 000 people. They've used cohesion funds to launch climate projects, help with Storm Éowyn recovery and kick-start sports initiatives. These are precisely the kinds of initiatives that would be threatened by this merger. That is why the Just Transition Fund and other mechanisms must remain dedicated instruments under the cohesion policy. Their scope must be broadened so that more regions in transition can benefit. Because cohesion is about people and solidarity, it must not be watered down.

Madam President, genocide, famine, war: the EU was formed on the promise that we would stop such atrocities from happening again. Yet the people of Gaza are dying in their tens of thousands. I have said it before in this Chamber: Israel must end its siege. Military operations must cease. Aid must flow freely. It is unacceptable that the Commission and the European Council have failed to take action more than 18 months on from Ireland and Spain calling for the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. That agreement must be suspended. Israel must be held accountable. We need a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the unrestricted aid flow now.

Mr President, almost half of Europe's population take no part in sport or physical activity. That is a challenge we cannot ignore. Later this month, to mark the 10th European Week of Sport, I will bring together policymakers, athletes and advocates in Brussels to ask a simple question: how do we build healthier, more active societies? In Ireland, we have seen the difference investment makes: 'active cities' in Galway, public basketball courts in Meath and Sport Ireland's Girls Get Active programme. Communities are breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities. Last month, the Irish government announced EUR 4.1 million to strengthen sporting bodies and EUR 1.3 million for community sports hubs. Now Europe must match this ambition. The next EU budget must, through Erasmus+ and the Regional Development Fund, target sports investment to get Europe moving. This will have a positive impact on our health systems. We must leave no one behind.

Mr President, today's discussion comes at a critical moment to look at the role of the Internet Governance Forum as reports emerge that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, may have actively suppressed internal research on child safety. Unfortunately, we know that more and more children are being groomed and exploited on the internet. It's a crisis that demands our full attention and it starts with proper age verification tools. I have taken part on countless discussions on online safety, but the insights that stay with me most often come from home: seeing first-hand how my two daughters engage with technology, the constant worry of age-inappropriate material reaching their screens. The threats are there. They are real, and they are having a massive effect on our young people. The fight to protect children online is one that involves all of us – policy-makers, tech companies, teachers and families. As technology continues to evolve, we must move just as fast and to put in place child-centred, EU-wide laws that offer real protection. The time for talking is over. The time to act is now.

Madam President, Commissioner, if you're fighting a war, you don't cut your defence budget. If you're battling wildfires and drought, you don't slash your resilience or preparedness funds. And if you're serious about building a sustainable, secure food system, one that pays farmers fairly and protects rural life, you should not cut the Common Agricultural Policy. Yes, the CAP puts food on our tables, but it does so much more. Farmers are the guardians of our land. They are the first hit by climate change. They remain the foundation of our food security. The CAP is not a budget line – it's a lifeline. It funds greener, smarter practices. It keeps families on their farms across generations. As I've said many times before, here, we need a ring-fenced CAP, we need an increased CAP, and we must invest in our young farmers. Because without them, without the next generation, there is no future.

Mr President, Commissioner, Minister, global trade is running low on much needed certainty. And while we can afford some breathing room until 1 August, the need for a clear framework and comprehensive trade agreement with the United States looms large. Ireland's stance remains unchanged. We have constantly called for zero‑for‑zero tariffs. Businesses require predictability and stability, from SMEs in Connemara to multinationals along our urban commuter belts. In fact, uncertainty itself may be the highest cost, because when businesses hesitate investment slows. So while we support you fully, Commissioner and your team, to get the best outcome, I want to again reiterate the focus that we must also move beyond the United States. We need to remove the many barriers that still exist within our own EU single market and simplify the rules that govern it. We can unlock more trade across Europe. Our economies, jobs and people depend on it.

Madam President, Commissioner, just two months ago, this Chamber voted to outline our priorities for a modern, robust EU budget. As we look to the Commission's proposal on 16 July, we expect this Parliament's position to be reflected in that proposal. Among our key priorities is the need to maintain the CAP as a strong standalone policy, with Pillars 1 and 2 kept separate from other programmes. For Europe to remain competitive, we must prioritise the strength of our farming and agrifood sectors. Just as important is our commitment to research and innovation, and therefore continued funding for Horizon Europe and Erasmus+. Additionally, recent global events have reminded us of the vital importance of unity and solidarity. Continued support for development and humanitarian aid remains essential, especially in times of conflict and natural disaster. Looking ahead, I trust the Commission will remain open to constructive discussions with the Parliament to ensure the delivery of a budget that meets our shared ambitions and the expectations of our citizens.

Madam President, it is unacceptable how easy it is for our children to access harmful content online. Existing rules alone are not enough to keep pace with current trends. I want to bring to attention a troubling issue around artificial intelligence models that are capable of creating synthetic child sexual abuse material. AI-generated nude pictures of children are being produced from users accessing readily available images from online platforms. Offenders are using our family photos, our social media posts, to create these vile sexual images. 98 % of this content involves young girls. As I'm lucky enough to be a mother, this is simply terrifying. Unfortunately, this technology is becoming increasingly accessible and tailored for abusers to bypass detection and regulation. It is crucial for the European Commission and the Council to put online protection of minors at the forefront of our digital policy agenda. We owe it to our children to act now, before more damage is done.

Madam President, thank you, Commissioner, I welcome the Commission's openness to moving away from an institutional model of care towards community-based support for those most vulnerable, including our older people. By 2050, people aged 55 and over will make up just over 40 % of Europe's population. As a result, more individuals are likely to be living with dementia, reduced mobility and chronic illnesses. We must take concrete action now to build communities that empower older people to live independent lives with access to tailored support. I recently visited Age Friendly Ireland's Homes programme in County Meath in Ireland, which helps older people remain living in their own homes or in a home more suited to their needs. Projects like this are expected to save EUR 41 million a year by reducing hospitalisations and delaying long-term care. This model can be rolled out across Europe to build a healthier future where people can age with dignity. Now, all we need is political will.

Madam President, flight delays and cancellations ruin plans. Many of us have been there, but thanks to EU‑wide legislation, we have strong air passenger rights in place to deal with these circumstances. Despite the fact that there has been much stalemate in this area over the past 10 years, some of the recent moves by the Council earlier this month are to be welcomed. Creating simpler and clearer rules, especially reducing time delays, allowing people to claim their compensation and reducing complex red tape, is a step in the right direction. Passengers should not have to wait for many months or even years to hear back from an airline on a legitimate claim for compensation. Airlines should comply with stricter information obligations, especially regarding the handling of complaints and requests, and so the move to require pre‑filled compensation forms for cancelled flights is very welcome. However, the existing reimbursement rules, which have been standard for many years now, should remain in place and so, in line with previous European Parliament positions, any move to significantly water down existing passenger rights will be opposed in this Parliament. We have not revised the air passenger rules for 20 years now and while it is high time to do so, I believe we must find a balanced solution to these challenges, working with airlines, but it cannot come at the expense of consumer protection.

Mr President, Commissioner, the trans-European transport network has gone a long way to connect the heart of Europe to its peripheries, be it Ireland, Malta, Cyprus or Greece. But this backbone of European connectivity is a project that is not yet complete. We often talk about the single market for free movement of goods, services and people, but the single market for transport remains an unfinished patchwork. As we continue to work on the implementation of the TEN-T corridors, we must also keep in mind those peripheral regions, as well as rural transport. And so, an integrated single transport market must work for all Europeans – urban and rural alike. That is why I welcome the focus in your mission letter, Commissioner, on the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan. And what we need now is a clear set of guidelines and principles to help us work towards decarbonisation of our transport networks – be it rail, road, sea or air. In Ireland, I want to note that major progress is under way and plans are in the works, from Navan rail line and the Dart+ expansion to investments in sustainable aviation fuel hubs at Dublin Airport. My final message to you is to push for a strengthened Connecting Europe Facility within the next MFF to ensure that Europe puts its money where its mouth is, to decarbonise more quickly and to enhance connectivity.

Madam President, thank you to the rapporteur for his great work on this file. The directive on combating child sexual abuse is a welcome move in shielding our children in both online and offline spheres. As we know, the internet has shaped our world in so many positive way, but it has also opened up terrifying avenues for our children. I want to use my time to focus on two key risks: one, how easy it is for minors to gain access to explicit content online; and two, the current ease for abusers to hide behind fake profiles. It's troubling to see how easily children can bypass age checks online. A click of a checkbox with false date of birth and suddenly they have access to harmful content. The Commission must bring forward robust and mandatory age and identity verification checks to combat this. The same goes for those hiding behind fake profiles. It makes detection, prevention and prosecution an uphill battle for authorities. Europe must keep the pace.