What Nina spoke about.

16

Jun

2025

Speeches EN

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Mr President, addressing the skills gap in Europe has rightly been identified as a core priority of this Commission, and so we should not be surprised to learn that a new report in Ireland has found that there is urgent need to take action in the advanced manufacturing sector. The sector has now faced threats that will impact innovation, competitiveness and economic growth on both sides of the border. The 2025 Future Skills Report, compiled on behalf of Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, showed that the engagement in the sector remains low among younger people, and especially women. If we are to compete on a global scale, we must break the barriers contributing to the skills gap in Europe. The EU now needs to follow up on its Union of Skills initiative with concrete actions, creating lasting opportunities for young, skilled workers. This is not a task that one region, one sector or one government can tackle alone. It's a shared challenge.

16

Jun

2025

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Strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, thank you, and thank you to the rapporteur for his work on this report. Cohesion funding creates jobs, boosts enterprise and makes rural Ireland a more attractive place to live. And identifying regional growth centres like Sligo in the north-west of Ireland is one way of rebalancing population growth away from many commuter counties such as Meath, Kildare, Laois and Louth, which sit at crossroads between rural and urban life. These are fast-growing areas under significant pressure, experiencing rapid population growth but without matching investment. These areas can fall into a policy blind spot – too urban to qualify for traditional rural funding and too rural to benefit from urban‑focused infrastructure plans. So as we look towards 2040, I urge the Commission to ensure that cohesion and rural development funds can be used flexibly to address these gaps.

21

May

2025

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The EU's response to the Israeli government's plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages (debate)

Madam President, over 50 000 men, women and children have been killed in Gaza. And just today, I heard directly from the Director of UNWRA, who made clear that tens of thousands more face starvation. Israel must be forced to change course. Military operations must stop immediately. The aid blockade must be fully lifted. I welcome yesterday's decision by EU foreign ministers to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement – a step Ireland and Spain first called for in February 2024. But this review must now move forward urgently with clear outcomes. Trade with Israel should be suspended. We cannot stay silent in the face of such suffering and the ongoing breach of international humanitarian law. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unrestricted humanitarian access now!

6

May

2025

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A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, as we look ahead to the next EU budget, one thing is clear: Europe needs a smart results-driven MFF focused on the future. We must invest where it counts, in economic growth, agriculture, job creation and competitiveness. Our budget must be predictable for long-term planning, yet flexible enough to respond to crisis. A competitive Europe begins with a competitive farming and agri-food sector. Farming is not just an industry. It is the backbone of our rural communities. We also need bold investment in research, innovation and education. I welcome the report's strong backing for Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, essential tools for building a skilled, future-ready workforce. Let's not overlook preventative health care and access to sport. A strong agri-food sector leads to a healthier, more active population. Finally, we must show solidarity across borders and maintain strong support for humanitarian aid in the face of global instability. Let's build a budget that meets Europe's ambition.

6

May

2025

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A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, the EU and the US economic relationship is built on decades of cooperation and mutual success. However, when our industries, farmers and SMEs face unfair trade measures, Europe must respond. We are strongest when united. Acting together, we send a clear signal that we will not be divided or weakened by economic pressure. Our response must be twofold. We must look towards our own internal market. Europe must prioritise becoming more competitive, resilient and decisive. That means investing in innovation, cutting red tape and creating a genuine market for capital. And we must also look to new horizons, by securing new but fair trade agreements that open doors for our consumers and businesses. We have already proven that a united voice, a united Europe is the only way forward.

5

May

2025

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Preparation of the EU-UK summit (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, since arriving in Parliament, I've been struck by an assumption often made here that Brexit is a settled matter. In reality, its consequences continue to shape political and economic life in Ireland, the UK and across Europe. Anticipation is building ahead of the upcoming EU‑UK summit on 19 May, and in a world where economic stability, security and trade openness matter more than ever, the EU and the UK have everything to gain from resetting relations. Although the TCA lays a crucial foundation, the world has changed considerably since its signing four years ago. It remains a framework that can and should be built upon. A comprehensive veterinary agreement would be an immediate and impactful step forward, unlocking significant opportunities for farmers and agri‑food businesses. Progress on mutual recognition for professional qualifications would have major benefits. In the same way, bringing the UK closer to Erasmus+ would be an undeniable win for students and apprentices. In an era where tackling climate change requires coordinated global efforts, closer alignment on emissions trading schemes would be a logical step to prevent carbon leakage. Closer integration of electricity markets and fully harnessing the North Sea's potential would enhance energy security, reduce consumer costs, increase resilience to external shocks and support progress towards net zero. Stabilising the EU‑UK relationship will bolster both peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. As 19 May draws near, we are presented with a historic opportunity, one that should serve as a foundation for an ambitious and forward‑looking agenda. This is our moment to reshape a new chapter in EU‑UK relations.

2

Apr

2025

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The importance of trans-European transport infrastructure in times of stalling economic growth and major threats to Europe’s security (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, as we navigate heightened security threats, we must recognise that a robust and resilient TEN-T network is not just an economic necessity, it is the pillar of European security. Our roads, ports, air transport links and railways sustain the EU internal market. But infrastructure is increasingly becoming a geopolitical target. From Russian shadow fleets in the Baltic and North Seas to foreign interference in Irish borders, the risks are real. With over 75 % of transatlantic data flows passing through or near Ireland, protecting these cables is not just an Irish concern, it's a European one. I welcome ongoing EU and Irish efforts to enhance maritime surveillance, expanding, monitoring and strengthening cooperation. A resilient and interconnected Europe is essential for both our prosperity and security.

2

Apr

2025

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European oceans pact (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, the EU oceans pact has the potential to transform our seas, coastal communities and the blue economy. The well-being of Ireland's coastal regions and fishing communities depends on the health of our marine environment. But this pact must also be a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change. As Vice-Chair of the SEARICA Intergroup with a focus on ports, I see the pivotal role ports play in Europe's transport and energy networks. Irish ports such as Galway, Drogheda, Killybegs and Sligo are not just gateways; they are strategic assets. They will be central to both our fishing industry and unlocking offshore renewable energy. The pact must fully reflect this strategic role. But to be truly effective, the pact must also address unsustainable fishing by non-EU vessels in our waters. This cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. So the oceans pact must deliver for both our marine ecosystems and the communities who depend on them.

31

Mar

2025

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Guidelines for the 2026 budget - Section III (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, firstly, congratulations to the rapporteur Mr Halicki on a well‑crafted, forward‑looking report. The 2026 budget will be a vital tool to strengthen Europe's agriculture, fisheries, research and education sectors. But it must also rise to the challenge of new and fast‑evolving priorities. To boost its competitiveness, Europe must innovate more and faster. That means greater financial backing for SMEs, simplifying their reporting obligations and lowering barriers to the single market, our greatest asset. I also welcome the clear focus on fighting disinformation, promoting gender equality and investing in healthcare and humanitarian aid. Let's make sure the 2026 budget delivers for all Europeans.

13

Mar

2025

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A Vision for Agriculture and Food (debate)

Mr President, 100 days ago the Commissioner was set the task of crafting a new and bold vision for the future of farming in Europe. To your credit, Commissioner, you have delivered a realistic roadmap that is unafraid to tackle the challenges faced by farmers – a vision that supports local production, prioritises generational renewal and paves the way for fair prices. As you know, this vision is only the first step, and we as MEPs have to work with you and to support you to turn this vision into real change. That means ensuring that the policies set in motion are backed by the necessary funding in the next common agricultural policy. Farmers have been promised change time and time again, and we now have your roadmap and it's time for us all to move beyond talk: it's time for real, concrete action.

12

Mar

2025

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EU Consumers Day: filling the gaps in protecting 440 million consumers in the EU (debate)

Mr President, the European single market has been the foundation of our economic success, connecting 450 million consumers across 27 countries. But let's be honest: it's not yet finished. And by leaving it unfinished, we are letting down European consumers and businesses alike. The biggest gap is services: 70 % of the EU economy. Yet complex regulations and red tape make it tough for companies, especially SMEs, to expand across borders. Then there's the Capital Markets Union. We currently rely too much on banks for funding. We need to let savings and investments flow more freely across Europe. And let's not forget digital and energy markets – still fragmented. The solution for this? Simplified EU‑wide rules. And the only final point: European consumers also expect safe and traceable products, particularly in agri‑food goods. But when imports fail, we must meet standards, and we must react swiftly to protect businesses, farmers and consumers alike. So 30 years after the single market was born, it's time to finish what we started.

11

Mar

2025

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Roadmap for Women`s Rights (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, I want to start by welcoming the new Roadmap for Women's Rights. Gender equality is a fundamental principle of the EU, and this roadmap is a crucial step forward. However, we must ensure it leads to real change. In these times of geopolitical uncertainty, we cannot afford to backslide on gender equality. Across Europe, we are seeing growing threats to these rights, from severe underfunding of critical support services for women to gaps in legal frameworks addressing gender-based violence. An excellent example of progress, however, is the Zero Tolerance Meath pilot project in Ireland, led by Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services, to tackle domestic sexual and gender-based violence. And so I urge the Commission to use this roadmap as a foundation for the post-2025 Gender Equality Strategy, while also ensuring the full and timely implementation of the Directive on gender-based violence. Words are not enough. Action is needed now!

10

Mar

2025

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Cutting red tape and simplifying business in the EU: the first Omnibus proposals (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, over 60 % of EU companies today identify excessive regulation as a significant barrier to investment and 55 % of SMEs cite regulatory and administrative burdens as their main challenge. In the current EU political climate, marked by concerns over tariffs, trade tensions and the spectre of Donald Trump, simplification in EU rules have never been more crucial. The Commissioner's latest simplification package could save our companies EUR 6.3 billion in administrative costs. However, as we streamline, we must maintain regulatory certainty and clarity. I welcome proposals to revise the scope of the CSRD, reducing heavy burdens on SMEs and enabling them to prioritise innovation. Yet, simplification cannot compromise our climate commitments. With clear climate targets for 2030 and beyond, the fundamental course of direction is not changing and so regulatory adjustments must reinforce, not weaken our green objectives. In this context, I have two questions for the Commission. Firstly, will the upcoming agricultural simplification be as ambitious as those in the first Omnibus proposal and can you provide more detail here, please? Secondly, in the context of the EU-UK reset, could you clarify how simplifications within the CBAM may affect alignment with the UK's ETS?

13

Feb

2025

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EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement (debate)

Mr President, free and open trade is crucial for both Ireland and Europe, but I want to again raise my concerns on the Mercosur trade agreement around traceability and the need for a level playing field for our farmers and food producers. A recent Eurobarometer survey highlights the fact that 88 % of Europeans agree that agricultural imports of any origin should only enter the EU if their production has complied with EU environmental, animal welfare and labour standards. This shows that Europeans, as consumers, value the work we do here to protect high standards, and ensure traceability and sustainability. One of the greatest strengths of the European Union is its high standards in traceability and food security. We have a duty to ensure that all products coming into the EU meet these standards. Irish farmers are proud of their product and are committed to upholding high standards, but also expect to be on a level playing field with their competition.

12

Feb

2025

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Competitiveness Compass (debate)

Madam President, to strengthen our economy we must start with smarter regulation. With much global uncertainty, completing and fully leveraging our single market – the largest in the world – must follow suit. Removing barriers will strengthen resilience, attract investment, and create jobs. A Union of Skills will be central to this effort. Prioritising lifelong learning, STEM education and upskilling is essential to driving growth and innovation. But ambition requires action – real financing to transform plans into reality. And simplification must go beyond business. I welcome the Commission's commitment to bring forward a substantial simplification package for farmers. We must align this to the next Common Agricultural Policy to ensure that, as spending demands rise, food security remains a cornerstone of EU policy. In short: simplify our rules, invest in our people and complete the single market.

11

Feb

2025

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Boosting vocational education and training in times of labour market transitions (debate)

Madam President, Europe stands at a pivotal moment in relation to skills. Our labour market is undergoing significant change, driven by technology, the green transition and changing economic demands. Without investing in skills, we risk falling behind on the global stage. As our industries and businesses are crying out for workers with the right expertise, further education and training is more crucial than ever. Apprenticeships help develop the entrepreneurial skills employers seek, and vocational training and education equip workers to thrive in evolving industries. By 2030, 90 % of jobs will require digital skills. But as pointed out by Draghi, 37 % of Europeans in the workforce lack even the basic digital knowledge. The Union of Skills must be more than just an EU initiative. We need significant investment. The time for action is now. Europe must invest in the skills of tomorrow, today.

22

Jan

2025

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Addressing EU demographic challenges: towards the implementation of the 2023 Demography Toolbox (debate)

Mr President, Europe is ageing rapidly, and by 2014, nearly 1 in 3 people will be over 65, and more than 1 in 10, over 80, driving the demand for long‑term care services, especially for conditions like dementia. We know age is the key driver to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In 2020, approximately 7 million people in the EU had dementia – a number projected to double by 2050. Yet today, nearly half of older Europeans with severe care needs lack adequate support due to unaffordable and inaccessible services. We must create a more supportive care system to relieve the stress on informal care and reduce the burden on families. Future health programmes must prioritise dementia with dedicated funding, and a European dementia action plan should coordinate efforts for timely diagnosis, innovative care solutions and improved working conditions. These measures will plan for a healthier Europe and navigate the challenges of democratic transition.

21

Jan

2025

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Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and biased algorithms (debate)

Thank you for your question, but what I'm trying to say is I think we should really, really put pressure on the platforms to make sure there's verification identity, and I think this would solve a lot of problems.

21

Jan

2025

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Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and biased algorithms (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, we are at a critical moment when it comes to both protecting our democracies and citizens in the digital age. Many social media platforms, which once served as tools for connection, are increasingly becoming hubs for disinformation, exploitation and harm. This isn't just about protecting democracy. Anonymity is being weaponised in other ways. Catfishing, where predators create false identities online, devastates lives, exploiting vulnerable individuals, including children. The Digital Services Act is a bold start, but we must go further as this is not about eroding the right of having anonymity. It is about ensuring platforms can verify real users to deter fake accounts used for harm, protect children and vulnerable individuals, and build a digital environment of trust and accountability. The time for decisive action is now.

17

Dec

2024

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Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner McGrath, imagine a friend scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, stumbling upon disinformation that influences how they vote. This isn't a fantasy; it is our reality. In recent elections across Europe, we have witnessed first hand the impact of unchecked disinformation. Social media platforms have often failed to detect and address the spread of false narratives, leaving our democratic processes vulnerable. Disinformation campaigns are not just about spreading lies. They are deliberate attempts to sow division, erode trust and weaken the democratic values that unite us as Europeans. This pan-European crisis demands a coordinated EU-wide response. The Digital Services Act represents a crucial opportunity to counter this growing threat. By holding social media platforms accountable for the spread of disinformation and hate speech, the DSA can serve as a robust tool to protect our democracies. However, tackling this issue effectively requires more than regulation. We must also equip our citizens of all ages with the tools and education to identify and challenge disinformation. Strengthening verification procedures is equally essential to ensure information integrity. This isn't just about elections; it's about safeguarding our democracy.

26

Nov

2024

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Urgent need to tackle the gender pay gap (debate)

Madam President, the gender pay gap is a pressing issue right across Europe. Women earn on average 13 % less per hour than men, and this inequality has lifelong consequences. Women's economic empowerment demands urgent action. It is our role as lawmakers to foster policies that empower women, especially young women, to become the leaders of tomorrow. Advancing women into leadership roles, enforcing pay transparency and fostering workplace cultures that prioritise inclusion are the key to this. And while this Parliament has taken close steps to close the gender pay gap, we must continue to expand programmes that promote female entrepreneurship, skills development and STEM participation. We can and we must do more to empower women in all walks and in all stages of life. There is so much more to be achieved if we put our political weight behind the fight against inequality and discrimination.

26

Nov

2024

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Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region, the need to release all hostages and the recent ICC arrest warrants (debate)

Mr President, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with countless lives depending on the indispensable work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Suspending funding for UNRWA would be catastrophic, cutting off critical services to millions of Palestinian refugees. No organisation matches UNRWA's comprehensive aid delivery in Gaza, and recent Israeli legislative efforts to ban its operations threaten to violate international law and jeopardise regional stability. At this critical moment, the international community must uphold humanitarian principles, stand against these violations, and strengthen support for UNRWA's vital mission to save lives and maintain stability in the region.

25

Nov

2024

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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (debate)

Madam President, the figures on violence against women are staggering. We have to remember that behind each and every one of these statistics, there are mothers, there are daughters, wives and sisters, each one deserving dignity and respect and to feel safe, especially in their own home. I want to acknowledge the work of former MEP Frances Fitzgerald and our Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee. Their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in advancing the fight against violence towards women, both in Ireland and in Europe. I also want to applaud organisations like Meath Women's Refuge and Teach Tearmainn in Kildare, who provide vital support to those who need it. However, we cannot stop here. The work is far from finished. We must continue to fight for those whose voices have not been heard yet. In five years from now, I hope we can look back on significant progress made and one day proudly proclaim that Europe is one of the first continents in the world to eradicate violence against women.

24

Oct

2024

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Closing the EU skills gap: supporting people in the digital and green transitions to ensure inclusive growth and competitiveness in line with the Draghi report (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, the greatest asset that Europe has is its people. Since its inception, the European Union has funded and driven the development of its people through education, skills and apprenticeships. But if we are to compete on a global scale, we need to break down the barriers that are causing the skills gap in Europe. Housing, infrastructure, red tape, the cost of living – things that are not just unique to Ireland – are the main barriers. And while our urban areas are very attractive for our young skilled workforce, we need a more comprehensive plan for our rural areas. In my constituency, in the Midlands–North-West in Ireland, young people often see Dublin and other urban areas as their only option for work and education. The EU needs to be at the forefront of solving these problems with a comprehensive plan for the development of rural areas. We need to show young people that their future can be at home, that they can innovate and thrive, not tens of thousands of miles away, but right here in the European Union.

23

Oct

2024

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The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, in Ireland, we have witnessed first hand the transformative power of cohesion funding. It has fostered innovation, strengthened local economies and empowered communities. As we engage in discussions about the next programming period of cohesion policy, we must remember the fundamental principles that underpin this essential framework: economic, social and territorial cohesion. They reflect our collective commitment to ensuring that every citizen has the right to stay in the place they call home, supported by robust public services, digital connectivity and opportunity for skill development. We must ensure that these successes are not merely fleeting achievements, but become the foundation for our future. It is our responsibility to ensure that every region, every local authority, has better access to the funding necessary to foster growth and development.