What Seán spoke about.

3

Apr

2025

EN Speech

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Health care related tourism: protecting EU patients abroad (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, across Europe, a growing challenge is emerging – one that affects the health and well-being of our citizens. An increasing number of people are travelling abroad for medical care, not as a preference but as a necessity. Long waiting lists, high costs and barriers to timely treatment at home are driving patients to seek care elsewhere. However, in some cases, the quality…

2

Apr

2025

EN Speech

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Outcome of the recent COP16 biodiversity negotiations in Rome (debate)

A Uachtaráin, it's good that the COP16 was positive in terms of both policy, but also putting finance behind it to back it up. And on a global level, it's hugely important that issues like desertification and deforestation would be tackled. It's also worth mentioning that an awful lot is happening in a positive manner within Europe itself, and particularly by farmers. I am conscious that in my own…

2

Apr

2025

EN Speech

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Energy-intensive industries (debate)

Mr President, I welcome this debate and especially the plan we were talking about earlier. No doubt about it: overzealous carbon reduction targets have led to massive carbon leakage in these industries, particularly steel, and it has to stop. And thankfully we've got the message. First, energy prices are something we can do a lot about. Number one: wean ourselves off fossil fuels, deploy renewable…

1

Apr

2025

EN Speech

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Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025 (debate)

A Uachtaráin, I think both President Costa and President Ursula emphasised how disenchanted we are with the actions of the Trump Administration in picking basically on their friends and allies, but also, rightly so, said we have a strong plan to counter, if necessary, and wisely not implementing that plan immediately, but allowing for a few weeks to discuss matters with the US authorities, which m…

13

Mar

2025

EN Speech

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Social and employment aspects of restructuring processes: the need to protect jobs and workers’ rights (B10-0143/2025)

Mr President, I voted for this report. It is vital that Europe responds decisively to the challenges facing our industrial sector. The closure of the Audi factory outside Brussels is a stark reminder of the pressures on European manufacturing. To remain competitive, we need an ambitious industrial policy that fosters innovation, cuts unnecessary red tape and creates high-quality jobs. Support for …

13

Mar

2025

EN Speech

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European Schools Alliance: potential to achieve the European education area by driving innovation, enhancing mobility and championing inclusivity (debate)

As a former teacher, I am particularly pleased to see the European Schools Alliance being proposed by President von der Leyen. Education is the foundation of our future, and this initiative represents a crucial step in ensuring that young people across Europe have access to high-quality, innovative and inclusive learning opportunities. The success of the European University Alliance has demonstrat…

11

Mar

2025

EN Speech

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White paper on the future of European defence (debate)

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir Kubilius, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has upended European security, bringing conventional warfare back to our doorstep. Hybrid threats like cyber-attacks and disinformation now target our institutions. For too long, Ireland has overlooked security and defence. While we remain committed to military neutrality, it does not equate to vulnerability. Securing our territor…

13

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (RC-B10-0102/2025)

Thank you again, I, like my EPP group, was very happy to vote for this report. The ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is both heartbreaking and unjustifiable. The escalation of conflict, including the occupation of Goma by M23 forces, has led to severe violations of human rights, including the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and recruitment of child soldiers…

13

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (RC-B10-0106/2025)

A Uachtaráin, I voted in favour of this resolution to address the concerning political situation in Georgia, where democratic backsliding and increasing repression have undermined the country's European aspirations. The ruling Georgian Dream party, following a rigged election in October 2024, has consistently violated fundamental rights, including by repressing peaceful protests, suppressing media…

13

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Cross-border recognition of civil status documents of same-sex couples and their children within the territory of the EU (debate)

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Commissioner, I agree with what you have said. We are faced with a very important question. Should same sex couples and their children receive the same recognition and protection of their civil status across all EU Member States? The answer is clear: yes. This is about ensuring equality and fairness for all families across Europe. This is not a question of …

13

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Threats to EU sovereignty through strategic dependencies in communication infrastructure (debate)

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisnéir agus a chairde, the security and resilience of our digital networks are more vital now than ever, and the European Union's ability to reduce these dependencies is under close scrutiny. I have raised the issue of Ireland's vital role in global communication infrastructure before. Ireland's waters serve as the gateway for over 75 % of the northern hemispheres undersea cab…

13

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement (debate)

Mr. President, thank you very much for giving us the floor. As you said, this discussion is very important. There are those who are against Mercosur, but they are against everything. But there are also many speakers here this morning who are pro-trade but say they cannot support Mercosur in its current form. That would reflect the position of the new Irish Government – made up of a coalition of Re…

12

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organisation and the suspension of US development and humanitarian aid (debate)

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, while it's regrettable that President Trump would withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, it's not surprising. Indeed, he did so the last time. But there are two points I would like to make. Number one: it should encourage us to redouble our efforts; to reach our targets and not reduce them, as some say we should do, and also encourage partners around the world to do…

12

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Need for targeted support to EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine (debate)

A Uachtaráin, even though I come from Ireland, far away from the borders of these three countries, I am very conscious of the suffering of the people on those borders. And I admire their solidarity and resilience. Solidarity, first of all, with Ukraine, taking refugees and supplying Ukraine with energy when Russia are bombing their infrastructure. Also resilience in resisting the horrible practice…

12

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Commission Work Programme 2025 (debate)

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir Šefčovič, I think it is very easy to criticise the Commission and some people do it and they get elected as a result. But as a Parliament, we have an obligation to work with the Commission to deliver for the people of Europe, and there are three areas I just want to highlight. One: simplification. It has to happen, but a lot of the simplification is not the regulations…

11

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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US AI chip export restrictions: a challenge to European AI development and economic resilience (debate)

A Uachtaráin, I think we've learned some very harsh lessons in recent times – overdependency on third countries for vital supplies. Russia, in the case of energy, which thankfully we have dealt with quite effectively, and now, unfortunately, the US, our traditional friend and ally in relation to AI chips. But I think because they're our traditional friend and ally Commissioner Virkkunen is absolut…

11

Feb

2025

EN Speech

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Political crisis in Serbia (debate)

A Uachtaráin, I am totally in favour of enlargement of the European Union. In fact, it is far too long since Croatia joined over 11 years ago. But countries must come up to standard if they want to join the European Union, and that is questionable in relation to Serbia. Particularly in relation to the protests which students and others are taking part in now for some time, since the collapse of No…

23

Jan

2025

EN Speech

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Cryptocurrencies - need for global standards (debate)

Madam President, digital and cryptocurrencies present an important opportunity for Europe, provided we establish the necessary safeguards. We must strike the right balance between regulating to enhance consumer protection and promote financial stability, while ensuring we do not hinder innovation or impede the financial inclusion that cryptocurrencies can offer. The MiCA Regulation demonstrates Eu…

23

Jan

2025

EN Speech

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Combating Desertification: 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention (debate)

(The microphone did not pick up the start of the speech) ... talk about this important topic, the desertification of the world. And depending on who you're listening to, between 20 % and 40 % of land is threatened with desertification, particularly in places like the Sahel, Gobi Desert, South America. I think it’s good that the European Union is now emphasising that deforestation, in particular, h…

21

Jan

2025

EN Speech

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Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and biased algorithms (debate)

Madam President, after three hours in the Chamber, I finally get the podium. A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, the Digital Services Act is a powerful tool to protect democracy and ensure that social media platforms operate responsibly. However, its potential will only be realised if it is properly enforced. Right now we are falling short and the consequences are evident, not only for our democracies but…

19

Dec

2024

EN Speech

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Need to update the European strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities (debate)

Dear President Commissionerduring the last mandate, the Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli oversaw good progress in the field of disability rights. Now it is crucial that the new leadership continues to advance disability rights in Europe and ensure that the 100 million people living in Europe with disabilities are given the equality they have been promised. A good first step was the mention o…

18

Dec

2024

GA Speech

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Preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit (debate)

Mr President, I have long been in favour of EU enlargement, and I am pleased that Ursula von der Leyen has stated that she will strive to promote this enlargement during this mandate. As for the countries in the Western Balkans, they have made a lot of reforms to join the EU and if they join, it would give the EU a new image compared to the bad image and disappointment we had when the UK left. The…

18

Dec

2024

EN Speech

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Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024 (debate)

Madam President, it is important to caution against the increasing move we are witnessing towards protectionism. Take the US president-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. A 60% tariff on Chinese imports, combined with smaller tariffs on others, could cost American and European households thousands annually while driving inflation, reducing disposable income and ultimately harming businesses and…

17

Dec

2024

EN Speech

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Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe (debate)

A Uachtaráin, a Choimisinéir Mac Raith, only a month ago, Russia emerged as the real winners of Georgia's parliamentary elections, after alleged widespread Russian disinformation likely led to Georgian Dream's claim to victory. In Moldova, evidence suggests that Russia was behind cyberattacks, ballot-box stuffing, vote rigging, illegal transportation of voters to the polls and the purchasing of up…

17

Dec

2024

EN Speech

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Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region (debate)

A Uachtaráin, dear Commissioner, the Assad dictatorship was one of the most vicious and most brutal regimes the world has experienced over the last 50 years. Now, as the country is still reeling from the events that have taken place there, the stories of the cruelty that Assad and his father imposed on their own people, come to light. The international community should reflect on their actions in …