Speeches

Mr President, deputy Commissioner McGuinness said this was a very important debate, a key debate, a really important debate. And yet the Commissioner in charge is not here. Now, we’ve had over 50 speakers in Parliament. They all came according to their mandate. None of them sent in a deputy. So I think, for really important, key debates in future, if a Commissioner doesn’t turn up, we have to put down a vote of no confidence in them. Having said that, I am totally in favour of Farm to Fork, Green Deal, biodiversity improvement, sequestration and reducing emissions. I think the new eco-schemes in the CAP will help enormously and they have been embraced by farmers to ensure that. But if there are new measures in addition to those, then I think they have to be matched with new money. Otherwise, farmers are going to lose productivity, food security is going to be jeopardised and they’ll go out of business.

A Uachtaráin, this Parliament report addresses the implementation of a dedicated EU school scheme which will fund the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk along with educational and information measures. This scheme forms part of a key objective to ensure that children’s nutritional needs are met and healthy eating habits and lifestyles and established from an early age. The report focuses on the budget, coverage and simplification of the administrative processes of the scheme. This legislation will also help remove a good deal of red tape for schools and suppliers at national level to ensure the effectiveness of the programme. For these reasons, I was happy to support the report and I was also very happy to speak here in Parliament as a Member of Parliament for Ireland on Europe Day. Long live Schuman. Long live the European Union. Agus Éirinn go Brách.

A Uachtaráin, the involvement of the entire fishing community is crucial for the conservation of fishing resources and the reasonable allocation of fishing quotas. It is essential to have a legal framework at EU level to ensure an effective co-management of fisheries while also respecting the local specificities of each Member State. This report calls for the involvement of all stakeholders in the decision-making process and in the management of marine resources. The EU’s common fisheries policy should ensure that fishing activities contribute to long-term environmental, economic and social sustainability and contribute to increased productivity and a fair standard of living for the fisheries sector, many of whom have suffered greatly because of Brexit. This Parliament report is sufficiently balanced and reflects the importance of core management, as well as the involvement of all stakeholders in the governance process, especially fishermen and fishing communities, and this is the most important point of all.

Madam President, methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, second only to carbon dioxide in its overall contribution to climate change and air pollution. In the EU, the energy sector is estimated to account for around a fifth of human-made methane emissions. I therefore welcome the report’s overall objective to reduce direct methane emissions from the oil, fossils, gas and coal sectors and from biomethane once it is injected in the gas network in the energy sector. It is important that we ensure the highest standards of measurement, reporting and verification of energy sector methane emissions and the immediate reduction of emissions through mandatory leak detection and repair, and a ban on venting and flaring. Although not perfect, the proposal reflects the urgency to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector, while also ensuring that energy prices at not significantly impacted for consumers.

A Uachtaráin, the choices made by consumers across the EU are pivotal to our green transition. We all have a role to play in reaching our climate targets, and it is clear that Europeans from all Member States are committed to playing their part if given the opportunity. Our daily choices have the power to drive change and make a significant impact on our climate. To enable consumers make informed, eco-friendly choices, there is a need for a directive that enhances consumer rights. It is vital that information on a product’s environmental impact is clear and accurate, particularly on the durability, repairability and general sustainability of products. Misleading information and greenwashing must be tackled. We cannot let companies exploit consumers’ willingness to make sustainable choices. Guaranteeing third-party monitoring of certification scheme compliance is necessary and there should be a crackdown on false carbon neutrality claims. But we must also support businesses and SMEs in this process by providing guidelines that reduce administrative and financial burdens. In this way, we will enable consumers and businesses alike to be effective in their contribution towards a green transition.

Mr President, First of all, congratulations to the Commission for organising this important year, not only this year but it is set to continue for 12 months. A lot of progress can be made during this period. And it is urgently needed, because in every industry we see that they are looking for young people with the skills and they do not have the skills. And the reason in many places is that young people don't have the knowledge. We therefore need, in particular, to focus on education – the education of second and third level schools – in the second level, telling young people that new careers are ahead of you and that they can follow these, and especially then in the tech universities in particular, to provide the skills to the people attending them, the students, and in such a way that they will be able to fill these skills and jobs.

A Uachtaráin, I welcome this initiative to combat criminal activities and protect cultural heritage. The monitoring and control of trade in cultural goods can vary considerably within the single market, leaving loopholes for criminals to cover their tracks and misrepresent the origin of a commodity. Measures to increase the traceability of the transfer of ownership of cultural goods within the single market, such as ensuring that information is stored digitally and that registers are interconnected, will therefore contribute significantly to the exposure of such infringements. Great progress has been made in this regard in recent years in inventorying and training, but the illicit trafficking in cultural property itself has also changed considerably and remains a major issue, as colleagues have pointed out, impoverishing the countries of origin and fuelling money laundering and tax evasion. Coordinated measures are paramount to mitigating such risks. Implementing similar measures across the EU will help to strengthen the prevention and detection of crime in cross-border cases and provide a comprehensive picture of illicit goods. This action plan will provide a clear, comprehensive and effective framework to the EU’s contribution to the fight against trafficking of cultural goods and is not before time.

A Uachtaráin, without doubt, cohesion policy is a great success story for the European Union, where countries express solidarity for another, where the rich help the poor and poorer countries become rich. My own country, like many other countries who joined the European Union, has benefited from that. But I think that the classification of regions, particularly within smaller countries, is too big. In my country, for instance, I belong to the southern region and it is classed as a more developed region, which is true, but it is not a homogeneous region. There are sub—regions within it where we have depopulation, where we have no industrial development and porous infrastructure. I am thinking of the likes of West Clare, South Kerry, South West Cork, and I think the Commission should look at reclassifying regions so that smaller areas that are disadvantaged can benefit from cohesion, structural and state aid, so that they can come up to the general average.

Mr President, the latest IPCC report underscores the urgency of the climate crisis. It presents findings on climate science, mitigation and adaptation, highlighting the need for immediate and ambitious action to limit global warming and its impacts. Given the urgency reiterated in the report, we must now move beyond identifying possible solutions and take concrete steps to implement them. We have repeatedly underlined the fact that decarbonising our economy is the only viable solution to achieve our climate goals. To this end, we must find a way to fast—track the implementation of our EU plan. We cannot afford to waste any more time in our efforts to boost the production and use of renewable energy and retrofitting our buildings. Planning, permitting, licensing must be speeded up rapidly. In addition to fast—tracking the deployment of renewable energy, it is crucial that the EU recognises the importance of climate finance, particularly in protecting climate—vulnerable communities. We need to ensure that such communities have resources and financial support in their efforts to build resilience and reduce emissions. Finally, third countries, especially the big emitters, must also be compelled to do more and do it quicker as well. We must move to more action everywhere now.

Mr President, thank you for giving me the chance to add my voice to Parliament’s voices condemning what is happening in Russia, especially as concerns the Kara-Murza and Navalny cases. It is clear that Putin has no respect for anyone who condemns him. Whether they are Russian or not. He throws people in prison for twenty-five years who criticise the war, some of its product size. Vanity Project to restore the USSR Stalin. It does not care that 180,000 Russian soldiers have already died in the war and it is very likely that more than that will die in the future as well. We must stand with the people of Ukraine and Russia, to give both sides freedom and end Putin’s horrible and silly tumultuous proposal to restore USSR Stalin. This cannot be accepted.

, the situation in Afghanistan worsens. I am gravely concerned for the safety and well-being of Afghan citizens, particularly women and girls, members of the LGBTQ community and ethnic minorities. We have witnessed the Taliban taking away women's freedom of movement, their right to work and their right to education. We have reached crisis point and it is time for the EU to take swift action. One avenue in which the EU can provide tangible support to Afghan women is through academic networks. Keeping Afghan women in education would be crucial for the future of Afghanistan. Afghanistan will need educated women in rebuilding itself in the wake of the Taliban, and the EU has the potential to contribute towards this. I am therefore calling for the European Commission and Member States to facilitate scholarships exclusively for Afghan women and girls. By bringing women back into education, we are not saving them from Afghanistan, but saving them for the future of Afghanistan.

A Uachtaráin, forever pollutants have been present in consumer products for decades. The risks that these chemicals pose to human health and our environment are of utmost concern. Indeed, 84 % of Europeans have expressed their fears regarding the impact of chemicals on their health. Action is necessary to address these risks. Like most aspects of policymaking, the revision of EU chemicals legislation will require us to strike a delicate balance between the costs and benefits of EU action. Dangerous chemicals must be banned from situations that are harmful to human health and the environment. With this in mind, we should also remember that some of the chemicals which are used across many sectors play a key role in ensuring our well-being, as well as our access to modern comforts. Chemistry and innovative chemicals will also play an important role in the climate transition. For example, certain chemicals can be used to improve the efficiency and longevity of wind turbines. Revising the EU chemicals legislation would be a complex process, as Commissioner McGuinness said. We should aim to arrive at a point that offers protection to citizens while ensuring we can access the innovative potential that certain chemicals offer. We must avoid harm while simultaneously reaping the benefits. Science-based evidence will be key to addressing this question going forward.

Mr President, the rising price of fossil fuels has created social consequences. Vulnerable families are left aside struggling. In addition, micro-businesses and people using transport that rely on fossil fuels are also left in the wings. Most of the time, these people do not have the opportunity to take advantage of sustainable means of travel because they do not have the opportunity and because they do not have access to the place where they live. These vulnerable groups have a detrimental effect. Indeed, impacts vary in different Member States and regions but wherever in Europe, the low-income population is strongly dependent on these effects. The motion addresses these social and distributional problems. These problems are always left to the door of the most vulnerable. This scheme will provide investment support to those who adhere to the 'do no serious harm' principle and seek to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. I'm happy to vote in his favor.

A Uachtaráin, the carbon border adjustment mechanism seeks to ensure that the carbon price paid by industries in Europe will also be paid by those importing goods from third countries. Importers of carbon-intensive goods will be held accountable to pay the same levy as is imposed on comparable domestic industries under the EU ETS, allowing for the extension of the carbon price paid by EU firms to foreign producers of the same goods. Of course, there are concerns about the impact of the CBAM on certain industries, particularly those that are heavily reliant on imports. It is important that we take a careful and considerate approach to implementation of the CBAM in order to minimise any negative impacts on these industries. However, I believe that there are also opportunities to benefit from CBAM, particularly if we are proactive in our approach. The climate transition is fundamental to Europe’s future economy, but we must remain competitive and I think CBAM should help to do exactly that.

A Uachtaráin, the ETS is one of the EU’s most important policy tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Europe – not only this, but significantly reduces our dependency from Russia and others. It should also serve to keep the prices under control in the long term. For sectors covered by CBAM, free allowances will be phased-out, with a slower start than the Commission proposal and a later phase-out deadline than the EP mandate. I believe what we have on the table is a very good result for the climate, for industrial innovation and for our citizens. In light of the current crisis, I am happy to see the breathing space afforded to industry while also supporting the 2030 ambition. By putting a price on carbon emissions, this provides an economic incentive for companies to reduce their emissions, essentially being a market mechanism centred on an innovation approach. There is a need to ensure that the ETS is flexible enough to accommodate new technologies and innovations. The ETS therefore must be flexible enough to accommodate new technologies and innovation and designed in such a way that it can adapt to changes in the economy and the energy sector. I think this has been achieved.

Madam President, like my colleague, Barry Andrews, I too obviously come from Ireland and would have some reservations regarding our participation obviously, as a neutral country, in a rapid deployment force at European Union level. Nevertheless, I can understand and see the need for both military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. And I cannot understand the logic of some people saying that by supporting Ukraine militarily, we are helping to prolong the war. What’s the alternative? Don’t support them and let Russia overrun the country? That’s really the logic of it. That’s absolutely bizarre, because if Russia takes over Ukraine, then they set their eyes in another country until Putin has established the old USSR. So that’s not logical under any circumstance. Also, I would have to say that in terms of aid generally, I’m glad to say that my country has given a lot of support, particularly in humanitarian aid, which would match what we might have given if we gave military aid. But definitely we have to look at our future, how defences are organised, because if you can’t defend yourself, you’re going to be attacked.

Mr President, Commissioner Hahn, this report gives Parliament the opportunity to set out its interest for the coming year under the budget. This year we had to deal with a lot of economic challenges. High energy cost and rising inflation rates led to a cost-of-living crisis. They're all in the woods these days. This report reflects Parliament’s reflection on its efforts to deal with people’s concerns in Europe. The budget is a direct mirror for the priorities of the European Union. I welcome this report that it focuses Parliament’s focus towards essential aims such as energy security, the environment, job creation and support for Ukraine. I would like to draw particular attention to the importance of improving our energy security. There is an urgent need to invest in key infrastructure, energy storage, renewable energy and energy efficiency so that we are not back in the same boat. We need to fund energy efficiency efforts in buildings and households to reach our environmental objectives. As I have the role of chief negotiator in my political party on energy performance and the Energy Directive, I welcome such reports.

Mr President, I would like to compliment our wonderful Commissioner, Mariya Gabriel, on her work for the European Year of Youth and for facilitating this discussion on its legacy and lessons learned. Indeed, I think it is something that every Commissioner should do once every five years. There is no doubt about it: young people have been greatly impacted by COVID and also are going to be affected most by the crisis in climate. And they deserve credit for helping through their protests and marches – Greta Thunberg, etc. – to create the ‘fit for 55’ and net zero. But one big area which is a problem is the whole area of skills. And I would ask Commissioner Gabriel whether she will utilise next year’s Year of Skills to ensure that young people are encouraged to take up the skills that are necessary to meet our obligations in renewable energy, the energy performance of buildings, etc. through more vocational and educational training?

A Uachtaráin, cybersecurity is an integral part of European security. Whether it is using connected devices, our power grids or the services of banks, air transport, public administration or hospitals, citizens must be protected from cyberthreats. The economy, democracy and society of the EU depend, now more than ever, on secure and reliable digital tools and connectivity. Cybersecurity is therefore essential to create a digital, green and resilient Europe. Improving cybersecurity is therefore of paramount importance for people to trust, use and benefit from innovations, connectivity and automation, as well as to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms, including rights to privacy and data protection. I welcome the announcement of the Cyber Solidarity Act. The next step after the revision of the NIS Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act, the proposed cybersecurity emergency reserve would follow Ukraine’s approach to engage in advance certified and trusted private service providers to intervene at the application of any Member State requesting solidarity in the face of an attack. The goal is to strengthen Europe’s collective resilience against cyberthreats and ensure that all citizens and businesses can fully benefit from secure and reliable digital services and tools.

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner Kadri, energy is the lifeblood of any economy, and building a more sustainable and resilient energy system is imperative for the future of every Member State, especially in light of recent geopolitical developments. Renewables do not produce power constantly and amid increased electricity demands, energy storage becomes critical as it enables us to store renewable energy when it is abundant and use it when it is needed. However, the EU has only a limited amount of storage capacity, with the majority of energy being stored in the form of pumped hydro, which has significant geographical limitations. We must ensure that EU policies create a market environment to support a rapid, large-scale deployment of storage projects and other flexibility technologies. Ireland is a leader in deploying renewable technologies, such as battery storage and grid flexibility enhancement systems. But there are many challenges and barriers to effective operation of storage facilities. As the technology advances, it will bring greater battery performance and therefore it is important that any market reforms recognise the value of energy storage, meaning greater certainty for investors. The electricity system is becoming more decentralised and digitalised. We will see significant transformation in the system over the next decades. These changes will have consequences for the optimum electricity market design. This reality, therefore, demands that we match the market framework with the expected future grid complexion.

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, the General Product Safety Regulation is an important regulation that directly impacts the lives of every EU citizen by ensuring that all products sold in the European Union are safe for consumers. The GPSR has allowed European consumers to trust the products they buy, particularly for high-risk products, such as toys for our children and electrical appliances. Although the GPSR has had an overall positive effect, we shouldn’t ignore enforcement challenges and the fact that some dangerous products can still make their way onto the market. The market is constantly changing, and regulation must evolve with it. I am happy that specific attention has been paid to the need to provide appropriate support for SMEs. In addition, it is positive that a repair, replacement or an adequate refund will always be proposed for customers. The General Product Safety Regulation is an important piece of legislation, and I support all efforts to ensure it fits today’s marketplace.

Lord, you are still here, God bless you. And finally, congratulations to Clare Daly, for speaking in Irish and having a happy St. Patrick's Day for you all tomorrow. Thank you very much. So the recently published staff working document on the fitness check of the animal welfare legislation is an important step in the ongoing review of the animal welfare legislation. New legislative proposals must use the most up-to-date scientific knowledge, and it was good to hear Commissioner McGuinness say that is the intention for forthcoming legislation. The EU has had high standards in its animal welfare practice for over 40 years. Improving animal welfare results in better animal health and consequently can help safeguard biodiversity. Ireland has made significant progress in this regard. Good animal welfare is an integral part of beef farming, and Irish farmers have been exemplary in maintaining this practice. I would also like to highlight that it should be recognised that significant financial supports will be required to facilitate new animal welfare requirements. Animal welfare can be best guaranteed when farmers have the right tools and financial incentives. And finally, congratulations to Clare Daly, for speaking in Irish and having a happy St. Patrick's Day for you all tomorrow.

A Uachtaráin, the title of this is pleasing: save bees and farmers. Because I have a feeling if it was a few years ago, it would be ‘save bees’, with no reference to farmers. Now we recognise clearly that they are interdependent. You can’t save one without the other. In fairness to the new CAP, it does try and support farmers in this regard because the space for nature and biodiversity measures reward farmers for helping to create a better environment for all bees and all other aspects in nature. And as a result, of course, we hope we will have more bees buzzing about Europe accordingly. However, I would like to address one point made by MEP Avram, from S&D, when she said Argentina and Brazil were doubling the use of their pesticides. Now, if we’re going to do deals with those, that has to be taken into account, and I think the Commission should look carefully and analyse what she said and establish the facts.

A Uachtaráin, this report for Economic Policy Coordination outlines the European Parliament’s contribution to the annual European Semester cycle, very supportive. The report describes the economic risks Member States are facing and highlights the necessary steps to alleviate these challenges. The report recognises the risks of a high debt-to-GDP ratio in Member States, and that the recent increase in interest rates makes debt servicing an ongoing and heightened challenge. Parliament’s report concurs with the Commission’s recommendations on the need for support measures to be targeted, and that prudent medium-term fiscal positions must be pursued. The adopted report highlights the need to have proper enforcement of fiscal rules and a strong role for independent fiscal institutions. In essence, the report reiterates that robust economic growth, sound fiscal policies and a healthy balance between government revenues and expenditure are necessary to reduce legacy debt and make debt sustainable in the long run.

Mr President, this offer calls on Member States today to make the minimum national income fit for the at-risk-of-poverty rate. The offer sets out ways that Member States can use to reform their income schemes to make them more effective, helping people out of poverty and contributing to the integration of the labour market for those who can work. Without reforming a national minimum income, the offer puts emphasis on an individual property test compared to a household property test. In addition, training, the availability of emergency services and the activity of job markets are assessed including the minimum income. This proposal must also safeguard the competence of the Member States.