Speeches

, 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.

A Uachtaráin, this might be a bit late, but this is a very important topic. And indeed the European Union deserves huge credit for the amount of development and humanitarian aid it is giving right around the world. It is not recognised enough and we don’t announce it enough. Having said that, as the rapporteur Zorrinho said, we can do more and particularly in the context of the next MFF, an increased percentage both, I think, from Member States themselves in their budgets and from the MFF at European level would be a very good thing to do. And especially if we can get own resources for the European Union, especially through CBAM, ETS, etc. Then that would facilitate more aid in this regard. We should also press as much as we can for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, so that the unfortunate people there can be helped immediately. And not forgetting Afghanistan, which is often not mentioned because of all the other areas around the world.

A Uachtaráin, I have great admiration for Finland, who have historically had to stand up to Russia, and did so successfully, and now are doing the same in this unfortunate situation. Russia tried to stop them from joining NATO, they didn’t bow to them, and now they’re using another method to undermine Finland. But thankfully Finland are again responding in a humane manner, but also in a strong manner to defend their independence and their border. We cannot allow a situation where either Belarus or Russia dictate to the European Union who is going to come in here and who is not. And particularly, as some colleagues from Finland said, we need to speak strongly with the transit countries who are facilitating this horrible exploitation by war criminal Putin on these unfortunate people. And the message has to go out loud and clear to Putin: no matter what he tries, the European Union – 27 Member States, no matter what part of the EU we come from, East or West – we are not going to be bullied by Putin.

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner, two years ago, during the Conference on the Future of Europe, EU citizens demanded comprehensive EU reform, with some of the most ambitious proposals requiring changes to the EU Treaties. Since the Treaty of Lisbon, much has changed in the world, and the EU has faced a multitude of crises: we had the financial crisis, the pandemic, the migration crisis, a growing climate emergency, the war in Ukraine and now the conflict in Israel and Palestine. This begs the question of how to make the EU more efficient and strengthen its capacity to act, while also making the system more democratic. On the other hand, there is the question of enlargement, which is firmly back on the agenda and has become even more evident with the Russian war against Ukraine. The commitment to enlargement is a necessity, but it is also an opportunity to implement changes to make the EU enlargement-ready. Since an EU with 20 plus Member States will not function the same as 27 Member States. Ireland will clearly have difficulties with some of the proposals. We have a constitutional bar on participating in any decision to establish an EU defence union, and we are cautious about qualified-majority voting. Nevertheless, we all can see how unashamedly and selfishly Viktor Orbán has exploited everything to do with unanimity voting, and this tool cannot continue. We need to use the full limits of what we can do within the Treaties and/or by changing the Treaties, if necessary.

In 14 years in Parliament, this is only the second time I have availed of blue-cards. So I have a question for you. You said we were useless, that we were getting paid to do nothing, that we were ineffective. How would you classify yourself and what are you getting paid for?

A Uachtaráin, I come from Killarney. My native town is the tourist capital of Ireland and I am very pleased to see reference to it by my colleague here today. There is a very active TidyTowns Committee there, including, I am pleased to say, my wife, people like Johnny McGuire, Carmel Foley, Padraig Tracey, Louise Byrne and former Councillor Mick Gleeson. They saw that in Ireland, the 200 million coffee cups in a population of 5 million were being used every year. The majority of these were not recycled, were not even composted, they went to landfill, and they said they do something about it. In the local community, over 50 businesses and growing are now having a cup which is reusable, which they all adhere to, saving a lot in terms of waste and particularly giving a good example to society at large. Those cups which were up until now used for 13 minutes of their lifespan. This can be reused and honoured as they go along. I think there is a huge example here that people themselves, even if there is no legislation, will do something which has benefited to society and benefits particularly in eliminating waste.

Mr President, I would like to commend the Rapporteur Daniel Caspary and Commissioner Dombrovskis for advancing this free trade compromise. It's time for us because we haven't done one in a long time. And if we can't do one with New Zealand, which country could we have a free trade compromise with? I was fortunate to be in Australia and New Zealand a year ago with the Trade Committee during these talks and we were particularly welcomed by the Ambassador from the EU to New Zealand and it was clear that everyone, especially the indigenous people, Maori, was eager for this free trade compromise. And why would you be against it? If trade between the two sides grows by thirty percent as soon as this free trade enters, we should accept it. I am pleased that it is progressing and hopefully we will have more before the end of this period.

A Uachtaráin, we would like to have one letter or word added to the title here: ‘strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets – and support – for new heavy-duty vehicles’. Because if the targets are to be met, you have to have support. Recently I attended the Irish Road Haulage Association dinner in my hometown of Killarney. It was quite clear that the industry is committed to reducing emissions and being more sustainable. And indeed, there were many vehicles on display at the conference showing the way of the future. But for long and heavy-duty vehicles, it's probably biofuels or something, not electrification, as of now. Obviously in cities and towns, electrification is possible, but again, especially for buses, et cetera, what is needed is support. And the support is simple: affordable, accessible, plenty of them – charging points. If we put the support in place, then the targets can be met. Not without it.

A Uachtaráin, I think, as a result of all the legislation we have passed in this mandate, many farmers feel sometimes under attack and certainly not appreciated. And that’s a pity, because many are making huge efforts to farm sustainably and reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, in Ireland, the targets in the Pesticides Directive have already been met and farmers should have great credit for that. But on the broader front, I think what we really need to do is to put more money and effort into research, so that there will be alternatives in place before we introduce bans. Putting the cart before the horse is not the way to do business, and if we do it the other way around, then we will ensure that farmers incomes are protected, food security is guaranteed, and we won’t be importing from places that haven’t the same restrictions as we have.

Madam President, in the aftermath of COP27, where progress and setbacks were laid bare, our attention is now sharply focused on the imminent COP28 and the pressing matter of climate finance. First and foremost, the pivotal role played by the European Union in UN climate talks must be recognised and persist in the upcoming discussions in Dubai. The question at the forefront remains: Who will bear the financial burden and how soon? Some progress has been made. Recognising the unique vulnerabilities of many nations is crucial, in particular those susceptible to extreme weather events such as in the Caribbean. We are emphasising the urgent need for increased climate financing. Such financing is not just an investment in environmental resilience, it is a fundamental step towards achieving social and economic stability. It is imperative that developed countries follow through on their commitments, and that includes China and the US. Failure to do so risks exacerbating global instability and reopening discussions on historical responsibility and compensation, precisely at a time when increased international cooperation is vital. Secondly, trade has too often been the missing link when responding to the climate crisis. Therefore I welcome the fact that it is part of the agenda at COP28. So I look forward to a successful COP28 and hopefully that the usual people who are always criticising everything won’t be getting the headlines afterwards.

A Uachtaráin, in principle, I am a great believer in own resources for the EU. I think it is a good thing. It means less direct taxation from Member States and that in itself will get rid of some of the populism we hear so often about Europe taking money from taxpayers directly from the Member States. Own resources, especially in relation to ETS and CBAM, makes absolute sense, and it is essential to strengthen the Union and also create a sense of unity across the European Union, because we need that at this present time. People are always looking for more and more money from the EU, but at the same time, they are saying that they should not be paying into it, that someone else should pay for it. Well, by getting the own resources, this certainly will make it easier and particularly to pay back the debt in relation to COVID. I would like to compliment Commissioner Hahn, my friends and colleagues, José Manuel Fernandes, Siegfried Mureșan and others, who have done great work on this, and that is something that we will continue to do to get in accommodation with all Member States.

Mr President, I am pleased to say a little bit about this report, thank you Mr President. I voted for this proposal as it seeks to update the Euro emission standards to introduce more stringent air pollutant emission limits for internal combustion engine vehicles sold in the EU, with a view to meeting the European Green Deal’s zero pollution ambition – very important for the environment and for people’s health – while at the same time keeping vehicles affordable for consumers and, very importantly, also promoting Europe’s competitiveness. In line with my previous position on the regulation on CO2 standards for cars and vans, I did not support the inclusion of carbon-neutral fuels and biofuels into the legislation. Introducing such provisions as would weaken the ambitions of the file further, and could bring confusion and uncertainty to the market.

A Uachtaráin, Commissioner Šefčovič, I condemn the reprehensible acts committed by Hamas against innocent civilians. Their actions are without justification and their bloodlust has only brought devastation to their own community, whom they say they represent. Israel does have the right to defend itself, but this is not a blank cheque. The mass bombing of civilians is not the answer. The welfare of our citizen, 8-year-old Emily Hand, is still unknown after she was taken hostage by Hamas. I call for her immediate release. In addition, there are around 40 Irish citizens still trapped in Gaza. Humanitarian corridors need to be opened immediately to allow people to flee the constant threat of bombing and allow the wounded and sick to receive treatment. I do not really care about the linguistic semantics – what I want is for the killing and violence to stop. The two-state solution is not just a matter for justice for Palestinians, but also an imperative for Israel’s own security and future. Every responsible politician must work to bring this about. This is how we got peace in Northern Ireland. This is the model for peace in the Middle East.

A Uachtaráin, there is growing concern over the ageing of European farmers. So I was happy to vote for this resolution as it emphasises the need for robust policies to support young and new entrants to the farming industry. Young farmers can be the catalyst for innovation and sustainability in farming practices. They are more likely to introduce fresh ideas and embrace sustainable agricultural practices. However, several barriers hindered their entry into the agricultural sector, including access to land, finance, markets, fair remuneration, knowledge and training, securing a fair income, as well as a decent quality of life for farmers and their families, is essential to attract and retain the younger generation in farming. In conjunction with this report, I welcome the Parliament’s increase of EUR 40 million for young farmers in the budget. But we will need to see more public support, including grants, low interest loans and business planning skills for young farmers.

A Uachtaráin, I voted for the EU protein strategy, as it will help create better conditions for protein production right across the EU, capitalising on agriculturally innovative capabilities. The EU has long been recognised for its self-sufficiency in agricultural products, largely attributed to the common agricultural policy. This policy has enabled us to produce an abundance of food products right here in our Member States, ensuring a steady and reliable source of sustenance for our citizens. Our livestock sector relies heavily, however, on imported plant-based proteins for animal feed, notably soya beans sourced from countries like Argentina, Brazil and the US. While we cherish the global trade relationships that have been built over the years, this dependence poses a potential risk to our agricultural sustainability and security. We need to produce more protein crops in Europe.

A Uachtaráin, as the ongoing tragedy in the Middle East unfolds, it is the innocent civilians who are once more bearing the brunt of the suffering. It is my steadfast belief that the European Union must maintain a resolute commitment to prioritising the protection of civilian lives. Amidst the turmoil, we must never lose focus on the profound humanitarian impact of these events. This unwavering commitment to humanitarian values must consistently be our central message. I voted for this resolution as it strongly condemns the atrocities committed by Hamas, which include ongoing hostage taking, who must be released immediately to their families, and the use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Israel has the right to defend itself, but must do so without regard or having recourse to force population transfers, collective punishment and the targeting of civilian infrastructure. Overall, a good resolution and good support.

Mr President, Commissioner, Earlier this year, the poll in Ireland showed that the cost-of-living crisis is the biggest concern for consumers. Inflation and rising costs have created significant financial burdens for households. Life is hard at the moment, and the cost of living crisis is being felt across Europe. At European and national level, policymakers should focus on an economy that works for people. For this reason, I welcome the Commission’s proposal to develop social economy framework conditions. By adopting common framework conditions, we can support social enterprises to promote job creation, boost local economy, and strengthen social and territorial cohesion. We need policies that enable disadvantaged people to engage with our economy and society, and for this reason I welcome the proposal to develop social economy framework conditions that aim to make the benefits of the social economy visible and recognisable.

A Uachtaráin, this is a very timely debate because I, in my constituency, am very close to farmers. And I feel they are very concerned about, number one, the raft of legislation that they’re expected to comply with, and also they’re worried that their sons or daughters are not going to follow in their footsteps and the farm might fall out of the family farm’s ownership in due course into the hands of those, maybe, who have no interest in the land. The problem is they feel under attack. Morale rather than profitability is the problem. We see it in Ireland, with the Citizens’ Assembly, with environmental agencies all blaming farmers for this, that and the other and giving them no credit for what they are doing. They are doing an enormous amount to reduce emissions and are also doing a lot to improve biodiversity. And they will do more, but they need to be given credit for it. If they are given that credit, young people will be encouraged to go into farming because they love the land, they love the animals, but they do need positive feedback and it has to start now.