What Cynthia spoke about.

18

Jun

2026

Speeches GA

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Joint Declaration on ‘Culture for Europe - Europe for Culture’ (debate)

17

Jun

2026

Speeches GA

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The resilience of the European transport sector and the need to ensure the supply of essential goods amid ongoing geopolitical instability (debate)

Mr President, the shortage of professional drivers across Europe remains one of the greatest threats to the resilience of the European transport sector. If we want to ensure that essential goods reach businesses and citizens, we need to make the profession more accessible and attractive. This starts with the modernisation of the directive on the certification of professional competence of drivers. Training must reflect today's operational realities and technological developments. It will be crucial to support training opportunities for young drivers, including joining the profession earlier. There is a need for sensible regulatory flexibility that helps operators and drivers to respond to challenging circumstances coming from Member States such as Ireland as an island. I have heard absurd stories about drivers unable to reach their ferries, and they are going home and so they are located at the port overnight, as driving times and emergency restrictions could not be adapted for them. We have to be wise.

16

Jun

2026

Speeches EN

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Question Time (Commission) - State of play on the European Commission’s pledge to reduce the reporting burden, in particular for SMEs

Commissioner Dombrovskis, put yourself in the shoes of the SMEs in Ireland South that I represent. They measure the success of their business, or whether it will survive or not, by the profit margin, the revenue remaining after the SME has deducted its operating costs. They measure KPIs, key performance indicators, in order to survive. My question to you, Commissioner, is, a year and a half into your role, how do you measure your KPIs? How have you measured them thus far, a year and a half on? How are you measuring them, and what will be the measure of your success and your huge ambition that you have outlined to us by 2029, the end of the mandate? Because, quite frankly, references to omnibus and deep-clearing and everything else that we have heard about, that means nothing to the SMEs of Ireland, who have told the chartered accountants that seven out of ten of them are more pessimistic than six months ago, rising costs are impacting on them, especially labour costs, and the biggest challenge is the topic of this conversation: reducing the regulatory and the compliance burden on them. So, please produce the results of your success.

21

May

2026

Speeches GA

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The Union’s preparedness for and response to health emergencies: the case of the MV Hondius and the hantavirus warning (debate)

Thank you to the Chairman and Commissioner. MV Hondius and antivirus warning. They remind us that a health emergency will never end and can arise very quickly, suddenly challenging our best-prepared plans. We have learned a lot from COVID 19. Unified systems create confusion for people. Public trust depends on very clear communication, strong services and quick coordination and requires much better long-term planning in continued investment, stronger health services and surveillance systems. Clear coordination between national and European local authorities as well. Let's get ready and flexible friends and fits dealing with the next emergency. Let's make sense.

21

May

2026

Speeches GA

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European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Stop destroying videogames’ (debate)

Chairperson, Commissioner. Video games are part of our culture. They tell stories and create memories and for the millions of people who play them, games are more than entertaining. They create friendships, experiences, languages and generations, connecting people and cultures to build communities of the values we celebrate here in Europe. But today, these games can suddenly disappear, it is possible to turn off a server and destroy online communities overnight. It's not fair. It's not fair. Players should not be left without anything. There are people out there who keep these games alive long after the official support is completed. These are real solutions and we should listen to them. Our culture should be protected and the players should be properly respected. When someone buys a game, he or she should have the right to play that game for a long time. Let's take this initiative, friends. Thank you very much.

20

May

2026

Speeches GA

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Rights, support and protection of victims of crime (debate)

Thank you. The vote is about whether or not we are serious about victims of crime, not just in words, but in the way our justice system treats victims. For a long time, there are different levels of protection for victims in Europe, depending on which country the victim lives in and what their postal code is. This is not acceptable. This reform of the victims’ rights directive gives us an opportunity to fill the gaps. Unnecessary contact between victims and offenders helps prevent such communication during investigations and court proceedings, and ensure that victims can receive essential healthcare, in particular psychological support. Support victims to go to the Gardaí and make a complaint. I applaud these rights, because it helps victims, to get the right in time and in practical ways. Thank you.

30

Apr

2026

Speeches GA

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Women’s entrepreneurship in rural and island areas and outermost regions (debate)

Mr President, 'This is a male world', which was told to my grandmother and mom, but my mom changed that message and grew up with strong and talented women who quickly and competently took various difficult decisions. They were left on the sidelines. That's how it was and that's how it is. Inishbofin, a small island in the west of Ireland, where women founded the Dunmore Hotel, fostering a tourism industry that attracts over forty thousand visitors to the island each year. Clare Island is another island in the west of Ireland. Again, a great woman, Ciara Chulainn, has built three sustainable businesses - a café, a refuge centre and a regenerative farm. And another woman, Beth Moran, is preserving Irish culture by organising weaving workshops. And on Clare Island off the coast of Cork, Baltimore, Mary O'Driscoll has spent her life setting up a business after business, serving the local community and serving tourists. These women are not exceptions. They are a testament to women's ability when they are given money and leadership.

30

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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How to secure a sustainable future for the EU livestock sector in light of the need to ensure food security, farmers’ resilience and the challenges posed by animal diseases? (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner Hansen, this report on securing a sustainable future for the EU livestock sector is long overdue. Europe is haemorrhaging livestock farmers. Farmers are shutting up shop and taking to the streets. Why? Simples. Food prices are going down. Production costs, energy, fertiliser, etc. are soaring. Also, EU red tape is choking them and animal disease destroying them. But we need our farmers, especially our young farmers. Why? Well, we need a strong European agricultural sector for food security, environmental protection, citizens' health and wellbeing, the circular economy and living rural communities that we represent. So, Commissioner, my message to farmers, Irish and European, is clear and simple. We need you. You have a future. We have your back and we will create a level playing pitch. And that means no to Mercosur beef.

29

Apr

2026

Speeches GA

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The need for targeted criminal provisions and platforms’ responsibility to effectively address cyberbullying and online harassment (debate)

28

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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Situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2024 and 2025 (debate)

Mr President, as human beings, we all want to be loved, cherished, respected and, particularly, protected. And that is what the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights has done over the last 25 years. It has protected all of us. It is the foundation for thousands of laws, policies, initiatives. It has been cited in thousands of legal cases. It is our protective shield, and the rights belong to everyone. Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and protecting persons from minorities: these are not abstract themes. These are about real people: protecting women, supporting victims of crime, not ignoring those with a disability, monitoring borders in a firm but fair way, and tackling racism and hatred head‑on. But don't take any of these fundamental European human rights or rights for granted. They are under serious attack from right inside this House by the political groupings that you have heard speaking here this afternoon. They are spreading misinformation, disinformation and hatred, and undermining...

28

Apr

2026

Speeches GA

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Enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, the Digital Markets Act may be an abstract piece of legislation for many, but it has a very real impact. Every day, without our knowledge, people are benefiting from more choices, fairer prices and better control over the digital services they use. Every time you look down on your phone, you're no longer locked by one platform, or you're not forced to use one particular app store. This is Europe working for us for the benefit of Europeans to provide much fairer digital markets. However, over the past two years, the Big Tech on European technology rules with the political pressure from the Trump administration. Dear friends, with the review of the Digital Markets Act we are facing, there is a clear choice: will we stand up for European consumers or will we let dictators take the lead again? Stronger enforcement of this Act means more benefits for our citizens here. This is Europe defending your rights, your freedom online in the digital world.

27

Apr

2026

Speeches GA

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Importance of consent-based rape legislation in the EU (debate)

President, imagine a young 18-year-old daughter on holiday in Bulgaria. She went to a party. She was terrific to her. She turned to a young man. And the next thing, he was raped. But, like 70% of other rape victims, Mary freezed and fell into weakness. And she didn't say 'No', she didn't say 'Stop' and she didn't fight back. In Bulgaria, however, the legal system requires the victim’s evidence that she fought back physically to win her case. So, it's unlikely that Mary, your beautiful daughter, would see her convicted acquittal. Now, if Mary had been on holiday in Sweden, her case of rape would have been successful. Because the legal definition of rape in Sweden is any act of sex without consent. There is a lack of unity across EU Member States on scandalous rape laws. They are unacceptable, in particular whether a lack of consent constitutes rape. We need a standardised approach to address rape across Europe.

25

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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Combating corruption (debate)

A chairde, a Choimisinéir, corruption hurts people first. It steals from citizens. It drains public money. It destroys trust in democracy. That's why this directive really matters. This vote brings Europe's anti-corruption rules into the real world. Thanks to rapporteur Raquel, it creates clearer common rules across the EU, strengthening sanctions, improving investigations, prosecuting those who abuse power for personal gain. It's really simple. If you steal public money, if you abuse public office, if you profit from corruption, then watch out – Europe will respond effectively. Our voters expect fairness and transparency and the same standards applying to everyone, and they expect state integrity to be protected and corruption to be punished. Rapporteur Raquel, this directive rocks – thanks to you, thanks to your never-give-up attitude. Gracias. Bedankt.

25

Mar

2026

Speeches GA

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Imminent death penalty threats in Iran in the light of the latest executions, including on 18 and 19 March 2026, by the Iranian regime (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, when he stood before this Parliament last February, the situation in Iran was dire. I didn't think I would be back that fast again tonight, talking about Iran again, about the brutality that is still going on there and its exponential increase. As a member of Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iran, I am appalled. Iranian judges have been imposing cruel and relentless penalties against all civilians who took part in the protests last January. An alarming warning to anyone who speaks out against this terrible regime. There has been a significant increase in the number of people condemned and executed. Over the past three weeks, the world has been in full swing. Total darkness throughout the country, hiding the total amount of deaths and preventing accurate reporting of bloodshed to the outside world. According to the latest reports, up to 36 000 people have been killed as a result of this intense resistance against the protesters. This is the most deadly repression of protesters in today's history. People with dual national status are being executed on dubious charges without any clear standards of justice. But despite brutality and violence, the Iranian people are rising and rising. There are still many protests. Ordinary people demand basic democratic rights, freedom, dignity, political reform. The courage of ordinary people is constantly evolving, despite the regime's efforts to break them. Europe cannot afford the deaf ear and blind eye to Iran or Iran and the ruthless violence there.

12

Mar

2026

Speeches GA

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Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2024 (debate)

Her husband, her husband and, of course, her husband. First, we would like to acknowledge that this is the last report on the activities of a former Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, who was brilliant. During the term, the Ombudsman’s responsibilities were expanded to tackle new challenges, including the spread of misinformation, disinformation and the rapid increase in the use of artificial intelligence. Ombudsman O'Reilly encouraged the Commission to make responsible, human-centric use of artificial intelligence in Europe. She was a true leader. We're legislating for this new technology, friends, and we shouldn't be afraid of it and use it with people's supervision of course, but use it especially for the benefit of European citizens, our voters. Europe must be at the forefront not only of innovation, but also of the use of artificial intelligence to improve Europeans. I encourage the new Ombudsman, Ms Teresa Anjinho, to build on the work of former Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, my fellow Irishman. Thank you very much.

11

Mar

2026

Speeches GA

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Package travel and linked travel arrangements: make the protection of travellers more effective and simplify and clarify certain aspects (debate)

Dear Commissioner, Chairperson. Thousands of people lost their money during the pandemic when companies traveled out of business, cancelled flights, cancelled hotels and all the distress about who I'll contact to get my money back and get a flight home. Well, we remember well one body blaming another and throwing you around from Billy to Jack with the words 'this is not my problem'. Of course, a loss of money, wasted time and misery, anxiety and stress suffered by European travellers and tourists. As Renew Europe's chief negotiator of this revised package travel law, I am delighted to say that the saying king who suffered has ended. Your money will no longer be at risk. If a company goes out of business, the vouchers you receive will be refunded and the money you paid in advance will be returned pending, and you will have one contact point, not half a dozen. So, this new law has now brought simplification and rationalisation for the traveller and, for the travel companies, clarity of regulation, strict definitions and compensation certainty. Thank you very much.

12

Feb

2026

Speeches GA

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Recommendation to the Council on EU priorities for the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, Thank you, As we approach the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, taking place next month, we must be honest: Women and girls are failing the international community on almost all equality measures under the 2030 Agenda. Violence against women is increasing exponentially and has largely gone unpunished. There has been little improvement in economic or pension inequality. Women’s rights are not equally universally available and crises and obstacles exist when laws do not protect and courts remain closed, equality becomes an empty commitment. The lack of an agreed definition of rape across all Member States in this EU cannot be accepted. How can a woman enjoy legal protection in one country and not in another. I strongly support the leadership of the FEMME Committee in this house and their expertise in promoting our policies in the United Nations. All your successes are Lina's and Maria Walsh's work.

11

Feb

2026

Speeches GA

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Systemic oppression, inhumane conditions and arbitrary detentions by the regime in Iran

Mr President, Commissioner, as a member of the European Delegation for Relations with Iran, I am deeply concerned to see the latest developments in Iran with reports of the brutal repression against peaceful protesters, some of whom have been sentenced to death. Since December, one of the most protesting movements of many years has emerged across the country, inspired by demanding citizens; fundamental freedoms, dignity and a meaningful political transition. These are freedoms that we take as a natural thing in Europe. These are not universal rights. They are rights that remind me of the history of Ireland. rights that are protected. As an Irishman who strongly believes in the Rule of Law, I know that peaceful resistance and the pursuit of justice are not crimes. On the contrary, friends are essential expressions of human dignity. Iran’s normal relationship with Europe cannot continue, as long as the authorities are killing, destroying, spearing. There is no mouth in his mouth. I call on the Commission to stand up against the authorities in Iran with strong sanctions. Thank you very much.

11

Feb

2026

Speeches GA

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International Day of Education, fighting inequalities in access to education (debate)

Mr President, it was reported last week that less than 5.9% of school pupils in Ireland - my home country, are attending an Irish-medium primary or post-primary school. This is the lowest percentage of students attending Irish-medium schools since 2013! This is in Ireland! Country in which the Irish language enjoys constitutional protection in Article 8 which states: "As Irish is the national language, it is the first official language". This catastrophic fall is a scandal. It's worse in the number of students attending Irish-medium secondary schools - although there are now more post-primary students than ever before in Ireland! Parent Aidan Kinsella from Dundalk and his Irish Medium Education at Schools group are working hard to remedy this ongoing problem. I am working with them to overcome this inequality and to provide an Irish-medium education for our young people who are seeking, demanding, and the Irish-language revolution at an advanced stage in the world.

10

Feb

2026

Speeches GA

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Presentation of the action plan against cyberbullying (debate)

In Ireland, 66% of children between the ages of 12 and 15 do not tell their parents that they are under attack by cyberbullying. They are fearful, uncertain, vulnerable and almost 45% of children keep the incidents of cyberbullying for themselves, confidential. These children are subjected to daunting threats and insults. They are deafened with false stories and false allegations: "You're a good thing!" "You're gorgeous, tortuous!" Very often, they are advised to hurt themselves and hurt themselves by self-cutting, self-poisoning, self-harm. Today's children are more connected online than ever before and if they have an intruder in school, they have the same intruder at home - there's no escape! 24% of European children are reported to be under the burden of cyberbullying and, worse, this figure rises to 43% if children have a disability. The youth of European children are being robbed of them and we need to tackle this problem.

10

Feb

2026

Speeches GA

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Extreme weather events in particular in Portugal, southern Italy, Malta and Greece: European response in strengthening readiness, preparedness and solidarity mechanisms (debate)

Mr President and Commissioner, the magnitude of the floods caused by the Chandra storm on the southeast coast of Ireland has placed a huge burden on families, businesses and local authorities across the region. Unseen rain hit counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wicklow, Wexford and caused major flooding - ruined homes, parks and businesses. I therefore call on the Commission to increase the European Union Solidarity Fund and to extend its terms of reference. Unfortunately, we will see more weather-related natural disasters every year in the future, meaning that the 1.1 billion euro solidarity fund is no longer sufficient. A new and expanded solidarity fund should invest more in new weather warning systems, flood protection infrastructure, especially in south-east Ireland. The solidarity of the European Union should not be a mere principle - it must provide practical assistance to all European peoples.

9

Feb

2026

Speeches GA

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One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Irish farmers are looking for a workable standard. Today, seed potatoes are a perfect example of how rules harm primary consumers when applied without urgency and certainty. Before Brexit, Ireland relied heavily on the supply of seed potatoes from the UK. Without the creation of a new market, Irish growers rely on narrower and more expensive optional fields. These new areas also raise new concerns about quality, diseases and suitability for Irish soils. No land, soil or country is the same, and SPS policy must recognise this reality to be effective in real life. The Single Commodity Framework is a step in the right direction, but it is not yet making seed potatoes available in real life. Our farmers are planning and planting insecurely - poaching them in the dark. Let's protect our farmers, friends, with sure and workable policies.

9

Feb

2026

Speeches GA

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World Cancer Day (debate)

There are 220 000 people living with cancer in Ireland. Every year, 24 000 people are identified with the disease. My friend, Senator Teresa Costello from Fianna Fáil, is one of the thousands of women who have suffered breast cancer. But Teresa survived as a result of early fur. No matter where you live or where you come from - cancer can hit anyone. In Europe, 22 million people, 5% of the population, have cancer. In the coming years, we could see an 18% increase in cancer cases in Europe. This is an issue for Europe that requires cooperation between countries. Let's cover the funding, I say, for programmes focused on early fur in particular, like the one that helped Teresa. We strengthen research partnerships. I improve access to trials and delivery. And let’s put an end to cancer in Europe. Where our citizens live.

9

Feb

2026

Speeches FR

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European Central Bank – annual report 2025 (debate)

Madam President, Ms Lagarde, if you are serious about bolstering Europe's resilience and competitiveness, then make good on your commitment here this evening and ensure that the citizens of Europe can continue to use central bank money in all situations, all communities, all parts. By money, I mean cash, because cash is king and queen. And the voters have told me that, Madame Lagarde, in their thousands: They want the choice of using their cash along with or without the digital euro. Ms Lagarde, make good, I ask you, on your commitment this evening to support the legal tender regulation to ensure cash remains available, accessible to all, no hidden, unintended or hidden restrictions on its use and never a replacement of it. Also, drive forward the EU savings and investments union and the simplification of the regulatory framework. We are drowning in red tape in banking and businesses throughout Europe. I urge you to work with Ireland's Presidency at the end of this year and make good on your commitments here this evening. Follow the Greens, let's work together.

22

Jan

2026

Speeches GA

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Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much, Commissioner Mînzatu. If the European Union wants to be at the forefront of drone technology, we need to be prepared and invest in it strategically and on a broad scale. Drones are no longer niche tools but essential technology. Yes, drones play a crucial role in military defence, but they are equally essential for search and rescue missions, the policing of our coasts against trade and drugs and people, of course for mapping and agriculture, and for many of the daily tasks that are crucial for Europe’s security and resilience. Ireland is already at the forefront of this innovation. In Cork, ICP Newtech is producing high dissolvers of bombs and drones that fight fires. And in Shannon, A-Tech SYN is developing drones for surveillance and mapping. In addition, our regional airports, such as Waterford Airport in South Ireland, are ready and able to partner with our SETU technology universities to promote drone technology.