What Seán spoke about.

18

Jun

2026

Speeches GA

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International Day of Play: promoting children’s right to play (debate)

Thank you, Mr President, At a time when I was rising up in Ireland, we are told to go out to play and not come back until dinner was ready. This does not seem to be the case for today's children. In these times, many children are staring at a screen for long hours, and unfortunately, video games are not counted as play. Playing together creates friendship, develops trust, learns to solve problems and learns the critical skills they need for the future. Ireland is one of the few countries in the world to have a national play policy, but it needs to be updated. As adults, it is our responsibility to protect children’s right to play. And therefore, I welcome the recommendations raised by Commissioner Dombrovskis to promote this in the EU. Thank you very much President.

17

Jun

2026

Speeches EN

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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 resilience of our transport sector is synonymous with the resilience of our fuel supply and its cost. If we can't power our transport fleets, haulage, freight, shipping or aviation, our economy will grind to a halt. The recent war in the Middle East has demonstrated clearly just how vulnerable our transport sector and, by extension, our economy is. The IEA estimates that oil supply from the region remains 14.4 million barrels a day below pre-war levels. This is putting huge pressure on our transport companies to supply us with what we need. While we welcome the deal to end the war and open the Straits of Hormuz, we should approach this with caution. The lesson is that Europe must invest heavily in resilience and reducing our dependencies, and deliver a clear strategy for Europe's energy independence as soon as possible. This is the goal ahead.

16

Jun

2026

Speeches EN

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The role of the EU in efforts for peace and stability throughout the Middle East after the announced deal between the US and Iran (debate)

A Uachtaráin, let's firstly get the facts straight. A peace deal has not been achieved between the US and Iran. There is a memorandum of understanding, a framework for negotiations, and difficult negotiations lie ahead. Despite President Trump's words regarding what has been going on in Iran since the war began, one thing is clear: it is a different Iran, but not necessarily a better one. While the contents of this memorandum are not yet known to us, we can still say with some degree of certainty that Trump's announcement to 'let the oil flow' shows a narrow focus on energy markets. But the effects of this conflict have been more far-reaching than just increased prices at the fuel pumps. Israel has used the war to occupy more of Lebanon and has declared its intention not to withdraw. The nightmare is not over for the people of Lebanon, so the EU must work to halt Israeli expansion in the region through the annexation of Lebanese territory.

16

Jun

2026

Speeches EN

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Achieving digital sovereignty and resilience for Europe, in light of recent developments affecting access to advanced AI technologies (debate)

A Uachtaráin, whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. AI will define our competitiveness and cybersecurity for years to come, and it would be naive to simply be AI customers. President Trump's decision to ban Anthropic's powerful Mythos model underlines the geopolitical importance of this technology. We were punished in 2022 because of our dependency on Russian gas. If data is a new oil, we cannot allow ourselves to be punished again. Some promote investing vast amounts of European public money in the race to build the dominant frontier AI model. Yet, this would be hugely expensive and likely futile. Instead, we should focus on adoption in key sectors, investing in European sovereign computing power and providing a stable and welcoming regulatory and investment environment to attract and integrate the leading models on our terms. This will give us competitiveness, cybersecurity for our critical services and resilience, limiting the danger of worst‑case scenarios. We need to be players, not customers.

21

May

2026

Speeches EN

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Need for an adaptation of the EU legal framework on sustainable biofuels (debate)

A Uachtaráin, the recent volatility in global fossil fuel markets has again demonstrated how exposed Europe is to global price shocks completely beyond our control, and why ending our dependence on fossil fuels is so important. Sustainable biofuels can play an important role in that transition, but as someone who has been closely involved in the sustainability debate over many years, I think we also need to be careful about the signals we send to investors. More than 20 years ago, the EU introduced ambitious targets for renewable fuels. Significant investment followed, but the ILUC debate gathered pace soon afterwards, driven by concerns about the impact of our policies on land use, food security and biodiversity around the globe. We then had to significantly roll back on our ambition, particularly through the ILUC Directive, and RED II. We must learn from that experience. Advanced sustainable biofuels can play a role alongside electrification, but let's make sure the signals we send to investors are credible and consistent for the long term.

20

May

2026

Speeches EN

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High time to deliver on the Single Market, providing certainty and predictability for EU businesses and quality jobs (continuation of debate)

A Uachtaráin, 'high time to deliver on the single market'. The words 'high time' suggest an urgency and the frustration, which is understandable. I remember saying to Ursula von der Leyen over two years ago, at an EPP meeting, that since I came here in 2009, all I was hearing was, 'We need to complete the single market, we need to complete the single market, we need to complete the single market.' And I said to her that I was looking forward to the day when somebody from the Commission would say, 'We have completed the single market.' We know what the obstacles are. We must tackle those obstacles and remove them. They have been identified by Members of the House all morning, but we must do and take on the words of the trademark of Nike: 'Just do it'. Just do it, and then we will be able to say we have completed the single market. Time for action – no more talking.

19

May

2026

Speeches EN

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EU cybersecurity and preparedness in view of advanced AI systems (debate)

Mr. President, my friends, as advanced AI evolves at breakneck speed, Europe faces a defined test: innovation must strengthen our security, not undermine it. We see the massive benefits of AI every day in Ireland, driving our tech sector and transforming healthcare. But we cannot afford to be blind to the unprecedented cybersecurity risks. Sophisticated AI is already being weaponized. It accelerates cyberattacks and scams, automates disinformation, and targets critical infrastructure with unimaginable speed. For Ireland, as a primary digital and data hub for Europe, the stakes could not be higher. A threat to our networks is a threat to the entire European single market. While the EU has led the way with the Artificial Intelligence Act and new cyber regulations, laws alone are not a shield. We need concrete action. That means deep cross-border intelligence sharing, heavy investment in our cyber defence capabilities and ironclad protection for vital sectors like energy, finance and hospitals. Artificial intelligence is the single biggest opportunity, but also the single biggest challenge of our lifetimes. We have to be vigilant day and night. Thank you very much.

29

Apr

2026

Speeches GA

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Sudan’s abandoned humanitarian crisis: three years of conflict (debate)

Mr. President! It is a sad reflection of today's world that the media pay little attention to the biggest civil crisis of our lives. Twenty million Sudanese civilians are suffering from food insecurity and a dozen have had to flee their homes. The EU should position itself as a peaceful and honest broker here, but more importantly as the world’s largest aid donor and peace force. The EU is well positioned to coordinate significant resources to provide relief to Sudanese civilian populations in extreme distress due to this war. Therefore, I call on High Representative Kallas to take action to provide genuine assistance to Sudan as a matter of priority. We cannot forget Sudan or the EU headline target. This is peace. Thank you, President.

29

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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Danger of normalising relations with Russia, including its participation in major cultural and sports events (debate)

A Uachtaráin, why was Russia excluded from participating in major cultural and sports events? Because, without provocation, it invaded Ukraine, destroyed its infrastructure, committed all sorts of crimes, particularly in Bucha and, as has been pointed out by Mr Van Lanschot, has killed many of their athletes and coaches. Now we're supposed to let them back in? What has changed? Nothing has changed. The invasion continues. The destruction continues. The killing continues. So it's very obvious that when Russia leaves Ukraine, or preferably is driven out by the brave Ukrainian people, then the situation will be normalised and they can come back in to all these wonderful sporting events. In the meantime, they have to be excluded and those who are calling for their inclusion – particularly the heads of sport bodies – need to be called out and not allowed to do so.

29

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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

President, Commissioner and colleagues, When a child dies, a thousand questions are posed in the shattered lives of those left behind. What did we do to deserve this? What could we have done to prevent it? Why us? When Jackie Fox's daughter Nicole was tragically taken from her, she turned questions into a mission. She pushed, she marched, she fought, and, through her strength and determination, saw Coco's Law enacted in Ireland, which criminalised the vile cyberbullying which led to Nicole's death. In the three years since Coco's Law was enacted, there have been almost 100 prosecutions for cyberbullying in Ireland. Behind each of these prosecutions is a victim; There is a person, a family, an entire community who deserves justice. Coco's Law is a means to that end and is already deterring would‑be bullies from these cruel actions in the first place. I thank my EPP colleagues in particular, who have enthusiastically championed the cause of making Coco's Law a European law. We must act now. We have seen the impact of Coco's Law has had in Ireland. We must make Coco's Law a European law, and we must do so now. I hope that this law (Coco Law) can be passed during this period of Parliament. Coco and her brave mother Jacky deserve that. Thank you very much, friends.

28

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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Presentation of the Better Regulation and Enforcement Communication (debate)

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner Dombrovskis, Mario Draghi was right to place better regulation at the centre of the competitiveness debate. Europe cannot regulate its way to success. We need smarter and clearer rules, limited to what is needed and what genuinely solves problems. That starts with proper impact assessments. Every proposal should be tested for cost benefit, administrative burden and real world practicality before it lands on the desks of co-legislators. We should also be clear that sometimes the best outcome of an impact assessment is to conclude that no new regulation is needed at all. The Commission's right of initiative should not be a constant incentive to produce more laws, when no new laws is the better option. We in Parliament must also look at ourselves. Often, we see amendments end up in trilogue agreements that cannot be implemented. That does no service to good lawmaking. If the Commission must assess its proposals, Parliament and Council should assess the impact of our amendments too. Europe does not need more rules for the sake of it, but to regulate in a way that improves the lives of citizens.

27

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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Order of business

Madam President, colleagues, I would like to bring your attention back to July 2025, when we voted on an urgency resolution on Ryan Cornelius, a British businessman married to an Irish woman, who's been arbitrarily detained in Dubai since 2008. Today, Ryan Cornelius turns 72 years old. Under UAE law, prisoners over the age of 70 should be released. Yet Ryan remains behind bars. 27 April marks the anniversary of Ryan's sentencing – a sentence which was retroactively extended by 20 years, violating human rights standards. Despite the authorities having already seized all of his wealth and assets – assets worth far more than the alleged debt in question – they continue to insist he will not be freed until that so-called debt is paid. As we negotiate a trade agreement with the UAE – which I fully support – I ask colleagues to raise Ryan's case during negotiations. Renew our call on the UAE authorities from July last year: free Ryan Cornelius and free him now.

25

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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Energy security, independence and supply in the geopolitical context - ensuring market stability and affordable energy for industry and citizens (debate)

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir, whether we like it or not, we are going to need oil and gas for many years to come, and that means we should be utilising the oil and gas resources within Europe ourselves. Rather than leaving it in the ground, we should be utilising it. That means Corrib and Barryroe in Ireland should be utilised immediately. But more important than that is to ramp up the deployment of renewables. That is the future. That means implementing, as soon as possible, the grids package, which is complete and which is accurate. Also, we will have to look at some of the obstacles in relation to the deployment of renewables, particularly planning and permitting. When a project is in the public good, like a renewable project, wind or solar, then it should get priority in planning, priority in permitting and we should ensure that that public good is delivered. If we do that, then we won't have to be worrying about geopolitical shocks into the future. The solution is in our hands. Let's do it. Let's back the commissioner and make it happen.

11

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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Building Europe's clean, independent and secure energy following the 2026 North Sea Summit (debate)

10

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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Presentation of the Energy Package (debate)

9

Mar

2026

Speeches EN

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Upcoming European Research Area (ERA) Act (debate)

A Uachtaráin, Europe is home to some of the finest universities, laboratories and research centres in the world. Our scientists lead breakthroughs in medicine and clean technologies, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. These institutions are one of Europe's greatest competitive advantages. For this reason, we must do what we can to ensure this sector continues to thrive. That means removing barriers and borders and providing the funds our researchers need. The ERA must deliver a truly single market for research, innovation and technology. We need to see ideas, knowledge and talent move as freely as goods and capital do in our single market. We need to invest in nurturing talent and strengthen mobility for researchers across the Union, particularly in critical fields such as digital technologies, artificial intelligence and clean tech. It also means reversing the brain drain. We need to make the European Union the most attractive place in the world to conduct research. For countries like Ireland, this is particularly important. Over the past quarter century, Ireland has built a globally respected research base supported by strong collaboration between academia, enterprise and government. But in the fast moving global economy, Europe will be left behind if we remain fragmented. A strong research area ensures that smaller, innovation-driven economies can connect their excellence to the scale of the European Union.

12

Feb

2026

Answers EN

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Cooperation among enforcement authorities regarding unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain (debate)

11

Feb

2026

Speeches EN

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

A Uachtaráin, as a father, a grandfather and a former teacher, it breaks my heart to see children without fair and equal access to education, which I enjoyed and was able to provide for my own family, thankfully. Education is a powerful tool. Not only is unequal access to it morally wrong, it's dangerous and economically detrimental. Inequality in education is one of the primary underlying causes of civil conflict. In Ireland, for example, the controversy over placing a university in the Protestant town of Coleraine, rather than the majority Catholic city of Derry, further entrenched education inequality in the north and led to Troubles which lasted for 30 years. Thankfully, that's now behind us. Academic studies prove this relationship all over the world. If one group cannot access education whilst another can, violence can – and does – ensue. In the EU, we can use our leverage, our funds and our experiences to help partners around the world to avoid this age-old mistake. On the positive side, expanding access to education spurs economic growth. For each year spent in education, a person's lifetime earnings go up by 10 %. Economies grow, welfare payments decrease naturally and investment and economic opportunities flourish. So, we should absolutely do all within our power to improve education equality, both at home and abroad.

11

Feb

2026

Answers EN

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Urgent actions to revive EU competitiveness, deepen the EU Single Market and reduce the cost of living - from the Draghi report to reality (debate)

No, Russia committed a serious error, but it also showed us that dependency on Russia for our gas supplies, as dependency on China for critical raw materials, is not good for us. But, at the same time, we do have an obligation to support Ukraine because they are actually fighting our war. It has been estimated that if Russia is not curtailed, in five years' time they'll have the capacity to attack Europe. Is that what you want? No. So I think the policies in relation to Ukraine, in relation to weaning ourselves off fossil fuels from Russia, is the correct one, and the sooner it happens, the better for everybody.

11

Feb

2026

Speeches EN

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Urgent actions to revive EU competitiveness, deepen the EU Single Market and reduce the cost of living - from the Draghi report to reality (debate)

President, Commissioners. We are moving forward. Mr Draghi correctly identified energy prices as perhaps the most fundamental factor for European competitiveness. Electricity is two to three times more expensive here than in the US; gas – four to five times. Without an abundance of domestic supply, there is only one way to structurally lower energy costs in Europe; That is, end our dependence on gas as quickly as possible. Until we do that, we do not control our own electricity prices. For competitiveness, that's a serious problem. But we are not going back to the world as we knew it before Russian tanks rolled across the Ukrainian border in February 2022, and the policy actions we take must reflect this. Today's theme is urgent. I would like to see a clear, urgent action plan from the Commission aimed at lowering EU energy prices. Set out what needs to be done urgently, and let that list be the benchmark by which this mandate is judged. This is about this. Thank you.

10

Feb

2026

Speeches EN

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Presentation of the action plan against cyberbullying (debate)

A Uachtaráin, this is a debate we have had time and time again over the years. I have consistently called for stronger action to prevent cyberbullying, including criminalisation, and for better educational initiatives for children to better understand its impacts. And I have organised public events to highlight this terrible affliction. And I am pleased that in Ireland we have led in this area through Coco's Law, which criminalises a range of cyberbullying offences including non-consensual image sharing and harassment. At EU level, we have important provisions included in the Digital Services Act to protect minors online. This is all extremely important. However, we cannot ignore the root cause here. 97 % of young people use the internet daily. 78 % of 13 to 17-year-olds check their devices at least hourly, and 46 % report checking them almost constantly. The social media apps and websites they use are designed to be addictive – and they are. Being constantly online leaves children vulnerable to a range of threats, including cyberbullying. I think we must take urgent steps now at EU level, to remove access and make it illegal for children to use social media at least before the age of 16, as they do in Australia, where, as Chair of DANZ, I was able to discuss with stakeholders recently. I call on the Commission to come forth with proposals as a matter of priority. Let us try to deal with this scourge once and for all.

21

Jan

2026

Speeches EN

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Preparations for the EU-India summit (debate)

A Uachtaráin, if one thing has been made clear in 2026, it is that Europe needs trustworthy trading partners – the bigger the better. And few come bigger than India. That is why it is of paramount importance that a deal can be reached, which facilitates investments and opens up trade for the EU into the world's fastest-growing economy. Populists across the world have used slow economic growth to decry free trade and push protectionist measures, such as tariffs or leaving the EU, even though we have seen that the knock-on effects are detrimental to their own citizens. We must instead seek growth and competitiveness to deliver the economic prosperity EU citizens are looking for. A major part of that is opening up new markets for trade and investment. This will leave us less reliant and exposed to threats, giving Europe the sovereignty to make its own decisions. A deal with India will have major benefits for Irish businesses – tariffs and trade barriers will be lowered on Irish spirits, pharmaceuticals and professional services to export to India. A deal would open up the rapidly growing Indian savings wealth to be invested in Irish companies. This will protect and create jobs across Ireland and indeed Europe. Now, more than ever, that is what we need in Europe to be strong, prosperous and competitive. Let's do it.

21

Jan

2026

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Presentation of the Digital Networks Act (debate)

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir, radio is not just a part of our culture; it could save your life. The Digital Networks Act should protect in-car radio – not just for our enjoyment, but for our safety. If the subsea cables around Ireland were damaged, or if we experienced an electricity blackout like Spain and Portugal did last year, or a major storm like we had last January, what would happen? Internet and cellular coverage would be severely hampered. Our hyper-connected lifestyles would be interrupted, leading to panic and concerns about access to vital services. This is where in-car radio is invaluable. Each car battery would ensure that people could power their radios, allowing them to receive essential government communications. Though this may sound extreme, requiring car manufacturers to keep in-car radios in an easy win for building societal resilience. Not only that, but it prevents local radio and national culture from being squeezed out by high-tech firms and streaming services. Irish people are extremely proud of our national broadcasting and it is especially important in rural areas and for older people. It is part of the fabric of our lives. And who knows? It may even save them someday.

18

Dec

2025

Speeches EN

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European Democracy Shield – very large online platform algorithms, foreign interference and the spread of disinformation (debate)

Thank you, President. Dear Commissioner, God bless you this morning. We have seen this debate too many times. Efforts to combat misinformation and harmful online content are pitted against fundamental rights, free speech and national sovereignty, and we make little progress as a result. It's a tired story, where the real losser is the legitimacy of our institutions – the very thing that makes Putin and his cronies happy. If we want the Democracy Shield to be effective, we must start at the beginning. We need clear, shared definitions of the hybrid threats we face. Those threats must be properly identified and classified so that any future regulation can be enforced with legal certainty, rather than undermined by endless disputes and internal conflict. For this to work, it needs to be done in a transparent way. I call on the Commission to present a proposal, much as it did for the green taxonomy, which clearly defines these hybrid threats. These terms should then be debated and decided on in this Parliament, with buy-in and input from all parties. It is only then, with clear, agreed-upon legal definitions, that we can hope to bring in enforcement mechanisms to give the Democracy Shield the teeth it needs. Without this clarity, we are doomed to more of the same tired, self-destructive debate. That's what it is, Mr. President, and Happy Christmas to all of you. Thank you.

17

Dec

2025

Speeches EN

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Preparation of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025, in particular the need to support Ukraine, transatlantic relations and the EU’s strategic autonomy (debate)

A Uachtaráin, last but not least, of course. Support Ukraine? Absolutely. Transatlantic relations? At their lowest ebb ever. EU strategic autonomy? Absolutely vital. In relation to Ukraine, the frozen assets have to be utilised. Guarantees for Belgium? They don't have to carry the can for Europe. Then it should be solved. As regards America, Trump's attitude is simple. Two words: 'America first'. Our answer? Two words: 'Europe first'. So we have to grow industries in Europe. 'Made in Europe' has to be our selling point. Above all, we have to develop the infrastructure to make it happen. A good starting point would be to implement Commissioner Jørgensen's grids package – which we discussed yesterday – because that would guarantee us energy security and energy independence, and that would be a good starting point for strategic autonomy of the European Union.