What Ciaran spoke about.

25

Nov

2024

EN Speech

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Mr President, colleagues, Ireland's fishing industry is in crisis. We have 12 % of Europe's richest waters yet, incredibly, we have some of the poorest fishermen and women, because we have less than 6 % of the quota. Year after year, our share declines while Nordic countries expand their fleets and their processing capacity, taking the lion's share. And next year, Ireland faces a further 22 % loss…

13

Nov

2024

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Mr President, Commissioner, thank you. In the west of Ireland community of Newport, the people are upset and angry because the Irish Government and the European Union have failed to implement the regulations enshrined by law in the EU Water Framework Directive. This beautiful town looks out onto Clew Bay, where fishing for oysters and recreation has already been destroyed by millions of gallons of…

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, as an MEP representing a largely rural constituency, I regularly see the vital role that our city plays within the region. For many, that journey to a greener, social and more sustainable future can often bring significant challenges. Cohesion funding is a lifeline for some of these communities, offering targeted support to address regional inequalities, and it must be increased if w…

23

Oct

2024

EN Speech

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Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report 2023 (debate)

Mr President, I welcome fellow Irishman Mr Tony Murphy and indeed the Court of Auditors' 2023 report. It's clear that while progress has been made, there is still significant room for improvement in how we spend our European Union funding. The report notes that during 2023, the Commission assessed the functioning of the management and control systems at the level of the Member States and concluded…

22

Oct

2024

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Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks (debate)

Madam President, the horror of the violent onslaught on Gaza is a live TV news event as we speak. Cameras are showing the bombings every hour and over 40 000 people have already died there. Israel has the right to defend itself, but this is outrageous. It must also respect international law. And in years to come, I wonder what the historians will say about what we did in this House, or what we did…

21

Oct

2024

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One-minute speeches (Rule 179)

Mr President, reports along the corridors of this building say a trade deal with the Mercosur countries has all but been agreed by our Commission, and talk of compensation for Irish farmers and others is widespread. But I come here this evening to give you one message, and a message back to those who send those briefs. No way! No way will we accept this. A study by the Irish Government Department …

10

Oct

2024

EN Speech

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World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health (debate)

Mr President, on this day, at this hour, I'd like to ask you to join with me in remembering those who have lost their lives through suicide. I'd also like to remember their relatives and friends who are gathering, perhaps now, at a church in your community or in my community, to say goodbye to a loved one. My appeal to you today, on World Mental Health Day, is for a greater emphasis to emerge in o…

7

Oct

2024

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Facing fake news, populism and disinformation in the EU - the importance of public broadcasting, media pluralism and independent journalism (debate)

Madam President, never before has it been more important to protect the freedom of the press, at a time when disinformation is rampant. The time is now to call out fake news. And it is also time to stand up for independent journalism and journalism in the field. Tonight I speak to you about somebody who not only stood up for it, but lost their life in the field in independent journalism: Ryan Evan…

16

Sep

2024

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Mr President, in less than 18 months' time, farmers of Ireland will face a major decision and look to this city for crucial decision on the future of their industry. That would be whether or not they will continue to avail of the nitrates derogation. I've been asked to come to this House today to ask our MEPs to speak to their Member State ministers and their governments and impress upon them our …

16

Sep

2024

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Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner McGuinness, colleagues, I believe this debate is about the future of farming in our continent. I believe it's about the future of young farmers and the future of people with small holdings. I speak to you today on behalf of 137 000 family farms in Ireland, in the most peripheral part of our region, half of them in my constituency in the Midlands and the west, and people …