Speeches

A Uachtaráin, well done to the rapporteur. I remember the joy that was in my group, the EPP, the night CETA was passed here in the European Parliament, by the biggest vote in favour of a trade agreement ever at that time. And of course, subsequently it has had provisional application. However, I was disappointed, like my colleagues in Fine Gael in Ireland, and others as well, that the Supreme Court ruled the ratification of it was unconstitutional, according to the Irish Constitution. But thankfully, it doesn’t require a referendum. I think an amendment to the Arbitration Act of 2010 will do the business, but of course, it has provisional application. There has been 30 % growth in trade between Ireland and Canada in the last number of years, as the rapporteur pointed out, creating 75 000 jobs across Europe. In fairness to the Canadians, Ireland and the other nine countries that haven’t ratified it should ratify it as quickly as possible – because Canada is a great country and it welcomed and gave jobs to an awful lot of Europeans at the time of the recession here when they couldn’t get jobs in Europe.

Mr President, firstly, thanks to my colleague Tom for doing great work in this area. Ports are absolutely vital for our economy, in terms of trade but, as he pointed out, especially for a decarbonised economy where we’re going to have a huge amount of offshore wind, and we need to develop our ports. But he is absolutely right: we need to ensure that we control and own our ports, and this is not the case in many places at the moment. That’s certainly something that has to be tackled and done, as he said, collectively in Europe, rather than individual ports trying to deal with it. I’m not aware of any ownership of ports in Ireland, but ports like Foynes, Bantry, Cork, Waterford, Rosslare have huge potential to both help the local communities, but especially to ensure that we can avail of the massive wind potential both in the Celtic Sea and in the Atlantic Ocean. So developing the infrastructure ports has to happen as quickly as possible.

Mr President, we should have this debate today because the paradigm in Rome at the beginning of this month cannot be ignored promoting neo-fascism, and I am glad that most of the Members here have condemned this paradise and fascism. We need to do more than criticize it, especially we need to do more to respect everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from and perhaps we should focus more on the schools to do so. We also need to ask whether it should be fair for unknown people to be able to use social media to promote fake news and extremism, some of which have a lot of accounts. We need to focus on that as well and perhaps end it.

A Uachtaráin, firstly, as an Irish person, I am very pleased and proud of the work of Ombudsman O’Reilly. For a number of years now, she’s been doing her job in a very impartial, professional manner with – as has been admitted – limited resources and, of course, as has been pointed out, she has worked very closely with the European Parliament, especially the Petitions Committee. Both the Petitions Committee and the Ombudsman are probably one of the only ways we can get recourse for difficulties and highlight malpractices, especially in relation to European institutions, where the Ombudsman is concerned. And I think she did that fearlessly. The fact that she annoyed some people during her time in office over the last number of years, that was probably a compliment because it showed that she was objective, she was fearless and she did a very good job. On behalf, I think, of Irish MEPs and the Irish public in general, we’re very proud of her and wish her well. Go raibh maith agat, Emily.

A Uachtaráin, the atrocities committed on 7 October by Hamas against innocent civilians were entirely repugnant. But what we are seeing now has entered another stratosphere in terms of ordinary people – men, women and children – being killed, starved or left homeless. There have been many comments in this debate revolving around geopolitics and strategic interests. Such details and explanations are of little value when the reality is that a whole population is being punished for the actions of terrorists. The military campaign in Gaza is among the deadliest and most destructive in recent history. Not much has been said about what kind of bombs and artillery are being used in Gaza. But the indiscriminate bombing, the devastation to the infrastructure and to the whole population is immense. I support the Irish Government’s efforts to intensify the pressure for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and I call on everyone here present to do the same. I am against Hamas. I am against anti-Semitism, but I will always stand up for the innocent. Israel has the right to exist and defend itself. It has the right to get its hostages home safe. But innocent Palestinians have the right to life – not just to live, but to life. We need a ceasefire, and we need it now. Without a ceasefire, no progress can be made and we will never have peace.

A Uachtaráin, when Putin, without provocation, may I add, invaded Ukraine, he thought it would be all over in a couple of days. It wasn’t, because of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the support from a united Europe. He hadn’t reckoned with that. Now, he has turned his economy into a war economy, where everything is going into fighting against Ukraine. It doesn’t worry him that over 370 000 Russian soldiers have been killed. He will allow, gladly, another 370 000 Russian soldiers to be killed in pursuit of his vanity project. We, however, must stand united in Europe, in supporting Ukraine, and we must not allow anybody – Viktor Orbán, Putin’s pompous puppet in Europe – to derail our efforts to support Ukraine.

A Uachtaráin, I just want briefly to bring to the attention of colleagues the sad passing of James Temple-Smithson, Head of the European Parliament Office in Dublin, at the tender age of only 50 years. James was a gentleman, number one, and also hugely respected by his colleagues, and particularly my Irish MEP colleagues. We valued his good work, his enthusiasm for the European project and particularly the respect he showed to all Irish MEPs and all those he dealt with. I hope that expressing our condolences here today will go in some way to ease the burden of grief on his family. Go raibh míle maith agat, a Uachtaráin. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Maith thú. (Bualadh bos)

A Uachtaráin, the title ‘Non-objection mechanisms in international conventions to which the European Union is a party’ would be very difficult to explain to ordinary citizens, and they would probably see it as Brussels speak. Nevertheless, these issues are necessary, and I would like to compliment the MEPs who have mastered this and the Commission and the Council. And, as has been said, if the Commission needs to take action, then there is a procedure there by which to do it. And I think that’s only right. I would also like to take this opportunity, as the Council said, this is the last of the Spanish Presidency’s meetings. I was involved, particularly in the Energy, Performance and Buildings Directive, I thought Ambassador Raúl Fuentes did an excellent job, and while the EPP would have serious concerns about internal matters in Spain, that should not take from the good work that was done in completing many, many important files which will stand to the good of citizens in Europe in the future. So well done. And the final word there is party, it’s time to party! Nollaig shona daoibh uilig, Happy Christmas to all!

Mr President, I agree with my colleagues Mr Kubilius and Ms Šojdrová and others that the Solidarity Lanes are very important. They are a means to help Ukraine, but they must function properly in the interests of farmers in Europe. And as Ms Šojdrová said, maybe we need to look at the efficiency of the lanes and come up with better ways of monitoring, etc., and I would hope that the Commission would do this immediately, because what is not at stake is any lessening of support for Ukraine. And also I think, with Christmas coming into New Year and all the attention probably at the moment, unfortunately, on the Middle East, we may be taking our eye off the ball in relation to Russia and Ukraine. And I would call, particularly, on all countries who themselves suffered under the USSR, who had to fight for independence – like Hungary – to reassess their attitude to Ukraine and Russia and think of what it would be like if they were invaded again.

Mr President, COP28 will be looked at from many different perspectives. While personally disappointed not to be there, it sets a clear direction for a sustainable future. It’s the first time in the history of the 28COP summits that fossil-fuel reduction has been mentioned in the final agreement. Yet, unfortunately, it falls short of explicitly mentioning the phasing out of oil, gas and coal. The whole agreement looked like it could collapse, but thankfully some improvements were made to the disappointing draft text that was initially circulated. The agreement signifies a substantial step forward for countries committed to addressing the climate crisis. In particular, it includes calls for the tripling of renewable energy capacity globally by 2030. There are many other positive aspects of the outcome. The conference reached landmark agreements and loss and damage, and saw an agreement to draft a post-2025 finance target ahead of COP29. The agreement will influence real world decisions made by investors, financial institutions, governments and private companies. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the leadership role played by the EU and particularly Irish minister Eamon Ryan, who was one of the key negotiators on.

A Uachtaráin, across Europe, young people struggled to secure a roof over their heads and to meet the rising costs of living. Ireland, once known for one of the highest EU homeownership rates, has seen a decline despite near full employment and recent economic growth. Notably, this decline is prominent among younger and lower-income demographics, with less than a third of 30-year-olds owning homes today. This, of course, is a problem yet recent actions have been hampered by the pandemic and having to virtually shut down the construction sector, as well as mortgage interest rates and building costs shooting up. Despite lofty promises from politicians seeking support, unfortunately there is no quick fix. The solution in some ways is straightforward: increasing the supply of affordable housing. However, achieving this requires various policy measures at different governance levels. Streamlining and simplifying planning systems at a national level is essential, but authorities must have adequate resources for this to occur. Housing is not an EU competence. However, the EU can and should strengthen its financial contribution by building upon the effective work of the European Investment Bank. Ireland itself needs to be better at utilising existing EU funds. For example, the construction of social and affordable housing could be covered under InvestEU. Although it is welcome that the Commission approved a EUR 450 million Irish housing scheme under state aid rules, there also needs to be broadening of exemptions for social housing under the rulebook more generally.

Mr President, the report provides an important framework to convey Parliament's key political messages to strengthen the European dimension of the 2024 European elections, and the process leading up to the election of the President of the Commission. I was happy to vote in favour of this report, as, among other reasons, it introduces measures to facilitate the access to voting for mobile citizens and citizens with disabilities. This is grounded in the principles of inclusivity and equal representation. It aims to ensure that all eligible citizens, regardless of their mobility or physical abilities, can exercise their right to vote. Strengthening the European dimension of elections is a way to enhance the democratic legitimacy of the European Parliament. By fostering a more direct link between citizens and European institutions, voter engagement and trust in the democratic process can be increased. I also welcome the defeat of the motion to have transnational lists. We don't want a House of Commons of MEPs and a House of Lords of MEPs.

Mr President, as the name suggests, critical raw materials play a critical role in making the green transition a reality. I was happy to vote in favour of this report, as the act will allow the EU to more efficiently use the assets we have on our own doorstep, while also reducing our dependence on external industrial powers like China, which we have been debating here for the last hour. I welcome the introduction of a mechanism for coordinated monitoring of critical raw materials, supply chains, and the measures to address risks in the supply chain. I am particularly pleased with the amendments made to the benchmarks of the act. Notably, the strong increase in recycling capacity to 25% of annual consumption and the recycling of strategic raw materials from waste streams. This shows the commitment of those involved in the development of this act to environmental prioritisation.

A Uachtaráin, I voted in favour of these new rules defining the minimum rest periods for tour bus drivers, as these reforms will put agency back in the hands of the service providers and service users of the industry. Flexibility is a key part of the service-user experience, and with this reform the differences between those who drive tourist coaches and those who drive freight trucks no longer go ignored. The impetus it places on increased digitalisation to optimise the work of both the operators and the authorities in carrying out the new reforms is a welcome one. This reform does not compromise on road safety or proper working conditions, but simultaneously places the driver’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and passenger requirements at the forefront. Dá bhrí sin, bhí áthas orm vótáil ar a shon.

(Start of speech off mic) ... Mr Borrell is correct, it’s not a good time to be debating this, and he made an awful lot of points, which I wouldn’t disagree with. But at the same time, while this is a very important debate, you would not allow catch-the-eye, and the same in the previous one, which was equally important – EU-US relations. Yet, no disrespect to the High Representative, he spoke for over 13 minutes beyond the time allotted. That’s almost three times the time it would have taken MEPs to speak on the catch-the-eye. So my question for you, Mr President, is: have you one law for MEPs and a different law for the Commission?

,Commissioner Dombrovskis, this week’s resolution and oral question are based on an INTER hearing from July, where we heard from a number of key stakeholders, including a member of the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan, the director Joanna Sikorski from DG Trade, as well as representatives of the business community. I would particularly like to highlight the work of MEP Iuliu Winkler, who has been a very strong voice in the European Parliament regarding Taiwan and who cannot be here today to present the conclusions drawn in the resolution to be voted on tomorrow. Iuliu has asked me to say the following a few words in his absence: ‘There is a consensus across party lines within the Parliament for bolstering trade and investment relations with Taiwan. Taiwan, situated at the heart of global supply chains, plays the pivotal role in ensuring the stability and efficiency of these networks, and recognising Taiwan as a key ally holds an important position in the contemporary geopolitical landscape. Our resolution underscores Taiwan’s indispensable role in EU supply chains, emphasising its position as a member of the World Trade Organization. Additionally, Taiwan has proven itself to be a reliable and likeminded partner and it is our shared interest to strengthen these ties. I urge the Commission to prioritise the establishment of the resilience against geo-economic shocks. A supply chain resilience agreement is not just desirable, it is strategically important. We must look at the next tangible steps that can be taken and, importantly, the timeline for their implementation. In a world that moves swiftly, our responses must match that pace. Our resolution appropriately acknowledges the remarkable growth in EU Taiwan trade, which reached a noteworthy EUR 84.2 billion in 2022. Taiwan’s significance in global supply chains should not be overstated. As we navigate the green and digital transitions, Taiwan’s expertise in high tech goods, particularly semiconductors, becomes invaluable. The recently agreed commitment in the Second Trade and Investment Framework Agreement represents a positive step forward. We must swiftly operationalise these commitments, addressing key trade issues such as offshore wind, market access for EU agricultural products, digital trade facilitation and security related aspects of trade and investment. Moreover, we need to make progress in resolving barriers related to local content requirements. Looking ahead, numerous opportunities for enhanced cooperation await us. Foreign direct investment and the exchange of experiences in the high tech sector, particularly semiconductors and renewables, can significantly strengthen our resilience and supply chains. I encourage Taiwan to actively contribute to the ambitious reform of the World Trade Organization, including the enhancement of its dispute settlement body. As we work towards this goal. I invite Taiwan to consider joining the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Agreement, demonstrating our commitment to a fair and effective global trade system. I commend Taiwan’s commitments to aligning sanctions against Russia and standing with Ukraine in the face of aggression. This solidarity demonstrates the shared values that underpin our partnership. Additionally, the annual EU Investment Forum in Taiwan serves as a platform to encourage more bilateral investments in both directions, fostering economic growth and stability. The parliamentary dimension is essential in facilitating stronger trade and investment relations with Taiwan. Let us seize the opportunities before us, working together to build a resilient, mutually beneficial and enduring partnership.’ In conclusion, I would like to compliment again my colleague MEP Winkler, for his work on this resolution and indeed all the good work he has done in these areas for a number of years now. – Go raibh maith agat Iuliu agus go raibh maith agaibh a chairde. Míle Buíochas.

A Uachtaráin, critical raw materials mean exactly that. If it is critical, you can’t do without them, and certainly in Europe we have learned that lesson. Firstly, we need to look at what’s available within Europe. I see in some countries, including my own, they’ve the mistaken idea that if you leave it in the ground in Ireland, take it out of the ground in some other country, import it into Ireland, that you’re actually helping to fight climate change. That’s ludicrous, utter nonsense. So we need to have an overall framework for Europe. If raw materials are available here, we use them. If they are not, we should look at where we can get them. In that light, particularly, free trade agreements have an awful lot to offer. We’ll be talking shortly about Taiwan. We’ve done a trade deal with New Zealand, which is very welcome. Unfortunately, the trade deal with Australia fell apart. That would have been very helpful in giving us critical raw materials like lithium. So, we need to keep those going so that we can diversify supply, utilise what we have ourselves and then get more that we need from other reliable sources.

, Commissioner, in the ever-changing landscape of global challenges, including complex environmental issues, multifaceted technological dilemmas like AI and global pandemics, it is the young researchers who lead the march towards groundbreaking and innovative solutions. They are the researchers and innovators of the future. The researchers that we will depend upon to create solutions to the vast economic and societal issues that lie ahead. Despite their undoubted contributions, young researchers often find themselves undervalued, a trend evident in my own country of Ireland. A recent report, released this summer, shed light on the disheartening reality that PhD researchers in Ireland receive a mere EUR 18 000 to EUR 19 000 per year. Given the prevailing cost-of-living crisis in Ireland and in Europe, the report stated that this stipend falls well short of meeting the essential needs of these young researchers. Unfortunately, this is a common trend across Europe. In July of this year, the Commission released measures to fortify the European Research Area. These include proposals for a Council recommendation establishing a new European Framework for Research Careers, a new Charter for Researchers, and the European Competence Framework for Researchers to support inter-sectoral mobility. All very good suggestions. We need to recognise that young researchers are highly skilled graduates and lucrative career opportunities must be available to them. We need to make the prospect of an additional four years of full-time studies within the EU an attractive career option in both the short and long term. Looking ahead, a crucial question emerges. I hope this Commission, in collaboration with fellow European institutions, can implement additional measures to not only acknowledge the importance of these young researchers, but also pave the way for a sustainable career path for them. In my language, there is a saying: ‘Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí’, ‘Praise the young and they will develop’. We could add to that: ‘Pay the young and they will deliver’, ‘Íoc an óige agus déanfaidh sí an beart’.

, this implementation report is the first report of Parliament assessing the operation of the UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, but more importantly, detailing practical steps forward to improve our relationship with the UK in a manner that respects the agreements made. It seems a lifetime ago that Brexit dominated the headlines, but its effects are continuing to impact citizens and businesses. This report is very timely, not only as MEPs travel to Westminster in the coming weeks for the PPA, but also as there will be a general election in the United Kingdom next year. The report was adopted with near unanimity in a joint vote of INTA and AFET, providing a welcome example of cooperation among the two committees, as well as the 12 opinion-giving committees. I would like to thank my co-rapporteur, Andreas Schieder from S&D, and other contributing MEPs from across the political groups. I call on colleagues to maintain this collegial approach into this vote, so that there is no ambiguity about how the European Parliament sees the way forward. Lastly, Stormont is still without a functioning executive. It is now time to move past the political stalemate in Northern Ireland and get the Assembly back up and running. They could adopt a policy of ‘I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Back In There!’

A Uachtaráin, I think anything with a title of ‘cooperation’ is welcome, especially in Europe, because Europe is all about cooperation and we have to have much cooperation as possible, and it helps people to feel part of the European Union. So judicial cooperation is absolutely essential as well. As colleagues pointed out, in this day and age, to be depending on paper and emails is not the way to go. E-signatures with the highest level of security makes sense. We are living in the digital age. This mandate was about green and digital – we haven’t made as much progress on the digital as we should. And, as colleagues pointed out also, we need training to go along with this. I mean, not just for the judiciary themselves, but also for citizens of the can access it. The facts are that something like 51% of people in the European Union don’t have basic digital skills. So we have a lot of work to do in that regard. I would say to the Commissioner and my good friend, Ivo Belet, former MEP, if they are back in the next mandate, that should be a priority and set a target to move from 51% to 75% – that would be progress.

A Uachtaráin, I supported the carbon removal certification framework proposal that aims to establish an effective certification system for carbon removal and sequestration from the atmosphere. In the ITRE Committee, as the EPP rapporteur, I was strongly in favour of ensuring carbon farming would be eligible – an all-stick-no-carrot approach with the result if not including carbon farming. This, in my view, would not be fair to farmers all across Europe, who are trying to make their practices more sustainable, essentially incentivise rather than dictate. The main goal of this proposal is to encourage businesses with high emissions to adopt techniques and technologies for carbon removal. This is set to happen through the voluntary use of certificates, specifically designed certificates, that act as a proof of high-quality carbon removal. These certificates can be sold, creating new income opportunity for those in agriculture, forestry and industry, fostering a shift towards a more eco-friendly landscape. The aim of the certification framework is to support innovative carbon removal technologies and sustainable carbon farming solutions, while also cracking down on greenwashing, which I of course support.

A Uachtaráin, I voted in favour of the Net-Zero Industry Act, as it stands as a crucial legislative measure actively addressing the escalating impacts of climate change. The proposal’s core objective is to bolster European manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies, addressing barriers that hinder scalability in Europe while enhancing the EU’s energy resilience. I particularly support the Act’s streamlining and strengthening of the permitting process, with quicker approval for both regular and strategic projects. This is something I have highlighted for some time. This approach enhances the Act’s effectiveness and efficiency in promoting sustainable and innovative projects. As the EPP rapporteur in the Trade Committee, I call for strong international cooperation and the pursuit of new trade partnerships with like-minded nations. In addition to this, the Act addresses the crucial aspect of carbon capture and storage by setting a target for annual CO2 storage capacity, further emphasising the commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable processes. Overall, a step in the right direction.

Madam President, I vote in support of this proposal, as it directly delivers on the key priority of the European Green Deal: sustainable consumption. The introduction of common rules promoting the repair of goods is a proactive step towards the EU’s transition to a circular economy. Often, when the product malfunctions, the default and seemingly convenient choice is to dispose of it, contributing to the unnecessary depletion of resources. The right to repair, as outlined in this proposal, expands consumer options by ensuring legal guarantees to repair products. It also facilitates easier and more affordable repairs for goods that are technically fixable, even after the legal guarantee has expired – due to wear and tear – thus extending the product lifespan. In addition, this proposal highlights the importance of making spare parts available to independent repairers and end users at reasonable costs. It strikes a balance between protecting trade secrets while ensuring that producers cannot employ techniques to impede independent repairs.

Madam President, this is a very important topic, continuing on from our last topic, and I would like to compliment the rapporteur – very long name – colleague Maestre Martín De Almagro – on a great job. But it reminds me of the Bible and our Lord speaking about the talents. One had the five talents, another had three, another had one. He was very happy with those who use their talents, but he nearly blew the head off the person who didn’t. So we have an obligation to encourage young people to find the talents that they have and to be able to utilise them. I know in my country the educational system is wrongly directed. At second level, if you get so many points, you qualify to be a vet; so many more points, you should become a doctor; so many more points, an accountant, etc. This is absolutely bunkum – nothing at all to do with their actual talents and what they are best suited to. So we really need to change that whole situation and help people to identify the talents they have and then give them jobs to utilise them and they’ll be happy ?.

A Uachtaráin, congratulations to colleague Matthieu on a very fine report covering the essential aspects. One thing is very clear, as colleague Matthieu said, we are not going to reach the targets of the Green Deal without a huge investment in job creation, particularly in relation to skills. If you talk to any business across Europe right now, one of the biggest problems they have is recruiting. They do not have the people to take up the jobs that are lying idle. And in fairness to the Commission, they recognise this because they have called this the Year of Skills, but unfortunately it is the worst possible year to have it, with elections coming up and then a new Commission. So I think it needs to be extended by another year into the next Commission’s term, so that we can do a proper analysis of the skills that are required, how are we going to translate that into young people, to make them aware of it, and to have proper educational and vocational training and, above all, status for every job – each human is equal and each job should be equally valued.