Speeches

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mr President, Commissioner, Cynthia here from Ireland and looking forward to working with you on this important file. Now, people buy flights and book them when they trust the conditions, rules, and will not be abandoned when they are in trouble. And that is why strong passenger rights are needed. When flights are delayed, cancelled and overbooked, or when a flight connection is missed. But the rules must also work for the aviation industry, as this is a system and an industry that operates on very low surpluses. Now, strong passenger rights and a healthy and competitive European aviation market are not contradictory. And remember that the aviation industry in Europe is much better than America, much better than China, which is why we need to find that balance and make sure that our aviation industry is competitive in Europe and that our passengers are protected.

Mr President, the European Union is one of the largest trading powers in the world, and when Europe is united, it has power, resilience and influence. But when Europe is divided, it is weak and fragile. That is why European unity is not an option but a necessity, friends. It teaches us a simple truth. The way surrender does not bring peace, but attracts more attacks. And this approach only urges Trump to ask us for more and more demand, which is becoming more and more reckless every day. So, like my colleagues, I am calling for a strong and firm response from you, Commissioner Kallas, and from the powers and leadership in the EU. Trump understands power and strength, and benefits from delay, and underestimates weakness. Let's be brave, bold and strong. It's time, my friends, for the pok to be mad in Europe.

Dear Commissioner, The U.S. is not Donald Trump. We do not put people at risk with toxic materials or dangerous electronics. We are not prepared to put our children at risk without legal protection for predatory games and harmful algorithms. Some complainants say Europe should be cheaper, more open, lowering standards and Wild West We have our own. But that's how people do it. That's how to hurt people and that's how to break vulnerable people. Europe has given many more choices to people in Ireland and more customers to small Irish businesses on top of and because of our membership of the European Union. But the single market has one thing to do with trust. Confidence of friends. If people can't trust what they buy in the stores or come by mail online. How can they be trusted in the system at all? That is why, Commissioner, I would welcome your strategic plan to protect consumers. It is practical, ambitious and smart regulation. Just what kind of regulation Europe needs for business, consumers and children. Let’s build trust, friends, and keep people safe in Europe. Thank you very much.

My friends, Daddy Christmas is coming and many people will be travelling a lot over the coming weeks, and I'd love to see public transport in Ireland work nationally for everyone, but unfortunately, it's not. Our transport system in Ireland is still failing many people. Dublin, our capital, is a major transport centre, but there is not yet a direct metro or rail service to the city centre. So travellers rely on a bus service that is often slow, too frequent, or not at all, and in cold, wet weather. If we are serious about achieving our climate and environmental goals, we need real investment in our public transport system. It must be better, faster, more affordable, and especially in rural areas such as counties Kerry, Cork and Tipperary, where travel services are lacking or absent. During the Christmas period many people are left isolated without any bus or train, and consequently, depending on cars too much and not out of choice but out of need. We must do our best to invest properly in our public transport system. It is a human right.

A chairde, a Choimisinéir, we talk non-stop about EU defence and security, but inside our very borders, we must defend our critical medicines industry – our pharma, our biotech, our research and development and, of course, our public health systems, as we have ageing populations throughout Europe. We should ensure that a citizen's diagnosis or treatment or prognosis, whether it's for cancer or a neurological illness or something else, doesn't depend on where they live. I say 'no' to second-class citizens or third-class patients. We need to strengthen the EU medicines production and supply and access to critical ingredients, because access to medicines should never be a luxury. We need cooperation between Member States in procurement – it's a priority. Our citizens deserve rapid, safe and affordable critical medicines. And we need to diversify our supply chain. We should not be held to ransom by the USA, by China or India because of shortages or high prices or other political tensions. I say bring production back to the EU. Bring research back, clinical trials and fund these industries, Commissioner. As my mother used to say: 'A stitch in time saves nine.' Let's plan. Let's act. Let's work hard as elected representatives for our citizens and ensure they are well served.

(Start of speech off mic) a chairde, I like choice, that is why my purse has cash in it, but also cards. In Ireland, my government confirmed this week that access‑to‑cash legislation will come into effect this Friday. I am very pleased, because cash is king for very good reasons. Number one: choice. Number two: access. Number three: equal rights for older citizens, refugees, the poor, those who are digitally illiterate. It is called financial inclusion. Alternatively, when people are faced with the breakdown of the ATM and no power, we need to have resilience. Alternatively, when we we're faced with tech glitches and we can't pay digitally, then of course we need cash. Also, we need an alternative when faced with money‑laundering concerns and suddenly our bank account is temporarily frozen. It's simple, my friends: cash needs to be mandatory to sit alongside its shiny new cousin, the digital euro. But the digital euro should never be pushed upon us exclusively to the detriment of cash. I stand with the voters of Ireland South who have told me that they want choice and freedom: power over their purse. 'Let's keep the cash', they say. Yes! Cash is king and queen.

Mr President, Commissioner, 97% of young people are online every day, and for many teenagers, that means long hours on screens that never leave their hand. And we know that what happens behind them disappears from parents' eyes too often. Predators slide in through private conversations and group messages, and the algorithms are tailored to draw our attention, not for the interest of the user, pushing for sharper or more sexual content. In seemingly harmless games, they hide 'loot' boxes that imitate casino working methods, often with real money. This is not a bad parenthood but a business model based on behavioral psychology and dark patterns. If we are serious, friends, about protecting minors, we need a few things: age-appropriate attitude, secure age checks, restrictions on addictive features and 'loot boxes', and a solid application of EU rules. And if we want to strengthen the confidence of parents, we need to confirm this resolution. I welcome the vote tomorrow.

Mr President, Commissioner, currently in Ireland and across Europe, our democracy is being poisoned. Not with tanks or troops, but with lies that get 'likes'. On every platform every day, we see false stories and conspiracy theories being inserted into our society. They move faster than facts. They target people who are mad or worried, and turn neighbors into enemies. We have all seen how this attackes the real world: threats to journalists, mistreatment of politicians, harassment of minorities, even stimulation of street violence with online rumours. The Democracy Shield in the EU is about protecting our information space, as we protect our borders. Making it harder for foreign powers or bad actors to manipulate our debates, and even control and change our elections. That's why we need strong, independent local media. They do three important things, my friends. They keep people rooted in their own communities, replace rumors with verified facts that people can rely on, and ensure that distant commentators and anonymous algorithms do not crush local voices and realities. We have to protect them.

Mr President, as a mother, I am very disappointed that such horrific and unsuitable items were made available on Shein's platform in the first place. It is a big red flag that this type of product could easily be listed, sold and shipped for an online marketplace in Europe. It represents a complete failure and inadequate corporate responsibility supervision. If companies can allow something so ambiguous to find consumers, how can we have any confidence in the rest of the products they sell? Do their electronic items meet fire safety standards and are toys or clothing for children free from poisonous materials? Where does it stop? There is one thing that is clear about this issue. We need much stronger regulation and application to protect the public from dangerous and unethical products. Online platforms must be held accountable for what they allow. I call on the Parliament to act quickly and forcefully against the bodies, like Shein, acting with no respect for people - for European citizens.

Friends, trust is the foundation of effective health care. And today, since we are focusing on the importance of breast cancer screening, we need to put patient reliability, transparency and trust at the heart of our strategy. We know that women respond more positively to migraine programmes that unequivocally set out risk factors and prioritise patients at risk, especially guided by specialised healthcare professionals through clear communication. This tells us that women need to believe in the system, not just participate in it. Therefore, our screening programmes need to be accessible and consistent and tailored to risk while providing full clarity on options, intervals and results. Only then will women trust the process so that it is reliable and safety is prioritised and results are robust. Let's promise, friends, that we will develop screening schemes that women can rely on.

Chair, Women's Aid, Carlow; Amber Refuge, Kilkenny; ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services, Limerick; Oasis House, Waterford – I've visited them all. I applaud you very much for the protection of women suffering from ill-treatment. I welcome this debate today and it is a great opportunity to call on Member States to fully and speedily implement the Directive on Combating Violence against Women and Girls ahead of the June '27 deadline. In Ireland, we are well aware of the cost of inaction. The Irish Government is introducing Jenny's Law or Jenny's Law - legislation to create an agenda and public register of domestic violence, and which gives women, people, the right to know if a person has a record of serious sexual abuse? This new law was named after Jennifer Poole, a beautiful young mother whose partner murdered her in 2021. Jenny's death could be avoided and I hope that this new legislation will avoid deaths like Jenny's death.