Regina Doherty
Member of the European Parliament · PPE · IE
“Mr President, Commissioner, for the first time, human activity has become the minority on the internet. More than half all of web traffic is now generated by bots, with almost 40 % of that traffic coming from malicious bots designed to scam, steal, manipulate or attack. Maybe the dead internet theory is no longer so far-fetched.”
“We also must accept that if Europe does not develop its own AI capabilities, we're always going to be at the mercy of other countries that can shut off our access to AI software in a moment, as we have recently seen.”
“A Uachtaráin, a Thaoisigh, a Aire, tá fáilte romhaibh. Colleagues, our former Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald said that joining Europe completed Ireland's journey to independence and history has proven him to be so right.”
“We must find solutions for businesses struggling to grow, our young people options to buy homes and really importantly, protect our children online. And vitally, we will stand by Ukraine and the defence of Europe, even if that means having to make difficult decisions when they're not the easiest at home.”
“Mr President, colleagues, if you've ever had the opportunity to do Erasmus, you know exactly what kind of a life-changing experience it can be. You arrive in a new city, you know absolutely nobody, and a few months later you leave with friends for life, new skills, greater confidence and a completely different view of the world.”
“So it's not just a nice experience – it's absolutely vital, and it feeds into our competitiveness, Europe's competitiveness. Competitiveness is not built on innovation alone; it's built on culture, creativity and social investment, too. Our culture and social organisations are absolutely not a luxury.”
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“We also must accept that if Europe does not develop its own AI capabilities, we're always going to be at the mercy of other countries that can shut off our access to AI software in a moment, as we have recently seen. But we must remember that strong cybersecurity systems do not mean centralising bureaucracy, and it is not about who gets to use what software and when in a supply chain framework. We must detect and remove malicious bots. We require clear labelling of AI-generated content. And we can't allow platforms, when automated networks are involved, to operate unchecked. Because if people can no longer tell what's real online, the internet becomes the perfect place and perfect weapon for criminals, hostile states and scammers, and Europe can't afford to let that happen. 2-0341-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, for the first time, human activity has become the minority on the internet. More than half all of web traffic is now generated by bots, with almost 40 % of that traffic coming from malicious bots designed to scam, steal, manipulate or attack. Maybe the dead internet theory is no longer so far-fetched. AI-powered bots are mimicking human behaviour, spreading disinformation, stealing personal data, carrying out sophisticated cyberattacks and generating explicit sexual material which is endangering our children. Because behind every fake account and every AI-powered scam, we have to remember there is a real person, a real victim, being exploited. We also must stop AI being weaponised against our systems, and that includes Mythos' AI systems, which now risks becoming a global security threat.”
“We must find solutions for businesses struggling to grow, our young people options to buy homes and really importantly, protect our children online. And vitally, we will stand by Ukraine and the defence of Europe, even if that means having to make difficult decisions when they're not the easiest at home. Yes, we're a small island on the western edge of Europe but, by God, we have the power and determination to help build a stronger and brighter future for ... (The President cut off the speaker) 2-0130-0000 Catch-the-eye procedure 2-0131-0000”
“A Uachtaráin, a Thaoisigh, a Aire, tá fáilte romhaibh. Colleagues, our former Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald said that joining Europe completed Ireland's journey to independence and history has proven him to be so right. Every generation inherits moments that define the nation and for Ireland, one of those moments was in 1973, and Ireland chose Europe. And it was a choice about the kind of country that we wanted to become: open to the world, confident and engaged and at the table instead of on the sidelines. As we begin our eighth presidency of the Council of the European Union, the challenges that we face today are very different, but we will not be found wanting. We will give more options to build long-term financial security for the people and their families.”
“Also, I think if Europe wants to be more competitive, we need to lead in innovation, with our brightest minds here in Europe, and we must invest in the programmes that invest in people. So the Erasmus budget must be increased – not protected, not maintained, but increased. Let's not leave our young people behind in the next budget. 4-0117-0000”
“So it's not just a nice experience – it's absolutely vital, and it feeds into our competitiveness, Europe's competitiveness. Competitiveness is not built on innovation alone; it's built on culture, creativity and social investment, too. Our culture and social organisations are absolutely not a luxury. They enrich our communities, create opportunities and help people participate fully in society. That's why social investment skills and support for the social community and economy must have a strong place in the next European Competitiveness Fund and in Europe's next long-term budget. I also think culture should be accessible, including for people with disabilities. That's why I am disappointed to see that the EU parking card hasn't been progressed yet. We need to agree a practical solution on how to allow photographs.”
“Mr President, colleagues, if you've ever had the opportunity to do Erasmus, you know exactly what kind of a life-changing experience it can be. You arrive in a new city, you know absolutely nobody, and a few months later you leave with friends for life, new skills, greater confidence and a completely different view of the world. It's an education in life itself. That's why I have to ask: how do we put a cap on that? Erasmus isn't just a programme; it's one of the greatest investments Europe has ever made. For decades, Europe has invested in people experiencing other EU cultures, and those same people have paid Europe back in spades. They've started businesses. They've become scientists, teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, nurses. They've built companies, created jobs and strengthened the ties that bind our continent together.”
“They need Europe to act and finally deliver on the protections that match the reality of the world that we live in today, unfortunately. (The speaker declined to take a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper) 3-0421-0000”
“And let's be honest, for many victims, the trauma does not end when or where the crime happens, because for too many, and particularly of our women, they are forced to face and fight through our national systems because of delays and needless bureaucracy. And all they want to do is either just be heard or protected. In Ireland, we saw the devastating consequences of online abuse through the tragic death of Nicole 'Coco' Fox, which then led to Coco's Law. For years we have been pushing for these protections to be recognised across Europe. And I really hope that the report that we are voting on here this week is a first step to that realisation of a European Coco's Law, because victims do not need us to continue talking, they do not need more delays.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, it's hard to believe that I and others are still standing here arguing for basic protections for victims of crime across Europe in 2026, and the last EU Victims Law was written in 2012. Since then, crime has gone digital, abuse has gone cross-borders, and parts of the online world have become a breeding ground for harassment, exploitation and intimidation, particularly targeting women and young people. And unfortunately, Europe hasn't kept up. So right now, victims still face different levels of protection depending on which country they are in, while criminals are exploiting our borders and victims shouldn't suffer because of this. So the crime does not stop with the borders. So therefore the victims' rights shouldn't stop there either.”
“No child chooses the circumstances that they're born into, and in the Union built on opportunity, fairness and solidarity, it is simply unacceptable that a child's future can still be determined by the area, their parents' income, or the Member State that they happen to be born in. We must also recognise that poverty in childhood doesn't end in childhood. It follows people throughout their whole lives, affecting education, health, employment opportunities and social mobility. If we are really serious about Europe's competitiveness and our long-term prosperity, then investing in our children is not charity. It's common sense. That's why initiatives like the European Child Guarantee and the anti-poverty strategy are so important. They are practical and constructive. But EUR 20 billion is what we need as a bare minimum.”
“Mr President, Commissioner, across the European Union, we rightly take pride in being one of the most prosperous, educated and socially developed regions in the world. And yet, every single day, millions of our children are waking up in homes that are struggling to afford food, heating, school supplies or even a secure home, a roof over their head. That should be a shame on every single one of us. Child poverty is not inevitable, and it's not a mystery that needs to be solved, because we absolutely know what works: early childhood education, affordable childcare, hot school meals, decent housing, strong family support, access to healthcare, and supporting parents in secure employment. The real question is whether we have the political courage, backed by the financial commitment, to consistently act at the scale required.”
“To oppose that is the very essence of standing up against these opportunities, so I am really asking you to get on board. The 28th regime will only succeed if it brings together the best in class, to make Europe as a whole a great place to establish a business. 3-0096-0000”
“The ambition is welcome: 48 hours to establish an EU company, with a maximum cost of only EUR 100 and no minimum share capital requirements. Crucially, company information will only need to be submitted once, that's really, really important. We have seen previous efforts have failed because we didn't grasp what businesses really, really needed, which was just simplicity and flexibility. And now we must make sure that as we legislate, we do not lose the ambition that we have seen in the last number of months. So I say to the sceptics: helping our small businesses is really good for employees. It's good for communities, it's good for living standards, and I think it's really, really important that it's good for opportunities for our young people and we need to acknowledge that.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, the 28th regime might sound like the name of a horror movie, but I think it's one of the most important things the Commission has done in an awfully long time. We say the single market is one of Europe's biggest success stories, but for so many of our smaller businesses, it is something that still seems hypothetical, something they hear about but actually never get to experience. And I think we all know, and we have heard this morning, what the challenges are: bureaucracy, costs and plenty of red tape. And so our job is to clear the barriers and make that single market a reality for as many small businesses as we can. That is why the idea of a framework, of a truly European company, an EU Inc., is so really important.”
“And now there are real, tangible consequences. So you have to ask the Commission, why is Europe still dragging its feet? Because right now our laws are not keeping up. Platforms cannot keep profiting from abuse while pretending they're powerless to stop it. And we in Ireland have proven that this can be done. So the question now is what is Europe waiting for? 3-0324-0000”
“Madam President, I want to speak directly to anybody who has ever been abused or attacked online – and unfortunately, there's far too many – but I want you to know that we see you, but we also clearly see the need to protect you. When I was a kid, when you got home, at least the bullying stopped. Now it follows you into your home, into your bedroom, into your pocket, into your thoughts. There's literally no escape from it. And the truth is – and some of the people in this House don't want to admit it – we all should want to see what's illegal offline illegal online. Full stop. Ireland did not wait. After the tragic death of Coco Fox and the relentless courage of her mother, Jackie, who you all met last month, we acted and we brought in Coco's Law. We made it a crime to abuse, harass or exploit somebody online.”
“Emily showed that innovation and accountability are not in conflict and that we can embrace new technologies whilst holding institutions to the highest standards of openness and fairness. Her work, I think, is a reminder that leadership, integrity and vision are always essential for Europe's future. Ireland is particularly proud of her example in showing the world that a commitment to ethics and accountability can guide us safely in the digital age, and I would like to wish the incoming Ombudswoman every success in your term. 4-0025-0000”
“Madam President, Ombudsman, colleagues, I want to take a moment like my other Irish colleague to recognise the outstanding work of fellow Irishwoman Emily O'Reilly as the former European Ombudsman. Under her leadership, the Office has strengthened transparency, accountability and public trust right across the EU institutions. One area where her work has been particularly forward-looking is in the governance of artificial intelligence. She championed transparency around AI tools that are used in decision-making, ensuring that these powerful systems are applied responsibly and that us citizens understand how they affect the administrative process and decisions.”
“Irish people are trying to invest in ETFs, yet the deemed disposal rule acts as a stealth tax and discourages long-term investment. That rule needs to go and it needs to go now. The reality is simple Europe: already has the capital it needs to grow our businesses. What we now need is the political will to make that a reality. 3-0312-0000 Spontane Wortmeldungen 3-0313-0000”
“Firstly, Ireland is home to one of Europe's largest international financial services ecosystems. We have strong funds and asset management sectors. Ireland already channelled investments from around the world into European markets. So we can build on this expertise to deepen capital markets and make cross-border investment simpler. Secondly, we need stronger pathways from savings to productive investment. Europe should do far more to channel household savings and pension funds into financing our start-ups and scale-ups, ensuring that our own savings are supporting European innovation infrastructure and our green and digital transitions. But we need to do more at a local level, at a national level. Irish people want to invest and grow their savings, yet our system is too often so difficult that they'd rather keep it in the savings account.”
“Madam President, colleagues, we know that Europe doesn't lack savers. What we lack is a system capable of putting those savings to work. European households have almost EUR 10 trillion worth of savings in low-yield bank accounts, often earning very little money and getting steadily eroded by inflation. Meanwhile, many of our most innovative companies still struggle to access the capital that they need to grow and to scale in Europe, and too often these companies end up looking to the United States or indeed the United Kingdom for funding. And that really should be a wake up call for all of us. If we are serious about delivering the savings and investments union, well then I believe the Irish Presidency can play a practical and constructive role.”
“Protecting our children online is non-negotiable, but we must find a way that respects privacy and the fundamental rights of all of our citizen – because in Europe, technology can never be a shield for those who abused children, and those who try must face the full rigours of our laws. 3-0221-0000”
“The uncomfortable truth about Europe is that it is one of the largest hosts of this kind of material in the world, and it's something that we absolutely, urgently must change. Artificial intelligence is a really powerful tool, and we know it's going to bring enormous benefits to all and every part of our lives, but like any powerful technology, it can and is being abused. When it's misused to exploit children, we have to respond decisively. For any parent, it's really concerning because we expect our children to be as safe online as they are in the real world. So I think we need to send our clear messages to those people who believe the technology gives them a way to commit these crimes: you cannot hide behind algorithms, you cannot hide behind technology and you will not hide in Europe.”
“Mr President, colleagues, I think it's very clear that artificial intelligence is now being used to generate sexual abuse material, and not just as a mother or a woman, I am absolutely horrified. We've all the warning signs. The reports of the recent Grok AI scandal showed that the system can be manipulated to generate explicit imagery, and I think this is really deeply disturbing, and I welcome the Commission's fast moves to examine this matter. But this debate is not only about artificial intelligence; it is about something that is much wider and deeply troubling in our reality: the continued spread of sexual abuse images and videos online. Every year, millions of these images are reported worldwide, and the numbers, unfortunately, are continuing to rise.”
“A real single market means completing the capital markets union. It means a genuine energy union so that power can freely be shared. It means a digital single market, where a start-up in Dublin can really sell to the 450 million customers that we have in Europe with ease. The uncomfortable truth is our fragmentation is mostly self-inflicted, so the next steps of European integration will not be written in our Treaties. It will be written in market integration, not 27 markets politely cooperating with each other, but one market, one ambition, one Europe. 2-0136-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, for more than 30 years we have congratulated ourselves on the single market. We think it's the jewel on the crown of Europe. But we have to be honest, it's absolutely nowhere close to being truly single. We have 27 different energy markets, 27 digital rulebooks, 27 capital markets. In too many cases, we have 27 bureaucracies protecting national comfort zones. That is not a single market. It's a complete patchwork. And while we are dithering, the world is moving on. The United States can scale innovation across one market of 330 million customers. China can mobilise and capitalise industry at continental scales. And in Europe, we make our entrepreneurs fill out 27 sets of forms. If we're really serious about competitiveness, then the job is far from done.”
“2-0061-0000 Regina Doherty (PPE), blue-card answer. – I think there are many crises that have been caused by actions of the Member States. But what we've been trying to do, Michael, as you well know, for the last 12 months, is to address the issues that are causing delays and interrupting the building supply that come from here. We're not trying to interfere with Member States and the decisions that they make, but we're trying to recognise that some of the barriers that are causing longer delays and less financing actually come from regulations – an abundance of regulations – from the European Union, and restrictive lending rules that apply both to the European Investment Bank, but also our central bank rules. 2-0062-0000”
“What I have seen for the last 14 months is collective parties trying to work together in order to solve a problem for all of the people in all of our Member States. It isn't about political ideology; it's about recognising that our young people can't afford to have a home, which they should absolutely be able to do. I think what I've seen is all of us try to work collectively together to provide solutions to that crisis. 2-0060-0000 Michael McNamara (Renew), blue-card question. – (start of speech off mic) ... many of which were beyond the control of Member States and, indeed, perhaps even the European Union. But do you think that any of the causes of the housing crisis in Ireland lie with the government of which you were a minister, with collective cabinet responsibility? Not all, but any of them?”
“– Toivon, että ne miljoonat ihmiset ympäri Eurooppaa, jotka tällä hetkellä kärsivät korkeista asumiskustannuksista, lukevat tämän parlamentin mietinnön ja huomaavat, että suuri ongelma tässä mietinnössä on se, että sen mukaan on suurempi oikeus omistaa asunto kuin että asuminen olisi ihmisoikeus aivan joka ikiselle ihmiselle. Tämä on valtava ongelma, ja tämä kertoo EPP:n tarinaa tässä mietinnössä. Ihmettelen siksi myös, minkä takia sosialidemokraatit lähtevät mukaan äänestämään tästä mietinnöstä. Sääntelyn purku ei tule auttamaan, lisärakentaminen ei tule auttamaan. Vain kohtuuhintaisen rakentamisen lisääminen auttaa. (Puhemies keskeytti puhujan puheenvuoron.) 2-0059-0000 Regina Doherty (PPE), blue-card answer. – Thank you for the question. I'm not really sure I agree with the sentiment that you've outlined.”
“In Ireland, judicially reviewing developments, and blocking and delaying thousands of houses from being built has actually become nearly like a blood sport. That's why this report calls for a housing simplification package – to cut unnecessary bureaucracy and shorten permitting procedures that really are delaying. We also need the investment from the European bank and EU financial instruments, particularly for smaller developers to support public and private partnerships. Today, we need to go from reporting the crisis to actually fixing it. (The speaker agreed to take several blue-card questions) 2-0058-0000 Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE), sinisen kortin kysymys.”
“I think the outcome is clear: we are not building houses fast enough. I think that's why the work of this Parliament's Special Committee on the Housing Crisis has been so important over the last year. We have worked collectively and together to examine the causes and the shortages of houses right across the Union, and look for practical ways to actually help Member States increase supply. Today's report hopefully sends a clear message that housing is, should be, and needs to remain, firmly on the European agenda. We all know that Europe can tell people how to build houses. Policy will always remain a national competence, but we can absolutely help remove the barriers that come from here, that limit investment and that slow down construction.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, today we have an opportunity to change the direction of the lives of a generation of young people. In my own home town, Dublin, and in cities right across Ireland, young people who are working hard and are doing absolutely everything right cannot find a home that they can afford to buy. Many are still living with their mammies long beyond the age that they should have expected, which is delaying milestones that my generation and previous generations would have taken for granted: moving out, settling down, planning a future, having a family. Ireland is not unique. Right across Europe we see the same pressures: rising construction costs, financing and lending gaps, and a planning environment that has become so convoluted, slower, complex and more difficult to navigate.”
“If we're serious about long-term growth, we need to make sure that looking after and investing in children isn't optional. It's an absolute must. 3-0445-0000”
“And when that happens, colleagues, we're not just failing those children, but we're actually failing and limiting our own future potential. Because, if I'm to be blunt, today's children are tomorrow's workforce. They are our future entrepreneurs, our skilled workers, our carers, our innovators and our taxpayers. If we allow talent to be shaped by disadvantage instead of opportunity, we are going to pay the price much later in higher public spending, lost productivity and the loss of social cohesion. The European Child Guarantee is not charity – it's common sense. It's about making sure that children have access to the basics of food, housing, healthcare, education, child care – stuff most of us and our families in this House take for granted.”
“Madam President, child poverty isn't inevitable; it's the result of our choices, but we can choose differently. Right across the EU, more than one in four children are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. And this is not just happening in struggling economies; it's happening in some of the most wealthy, successful societies in the world. Countries with strong growth, thriving businesses and solid public finances still have far too many children starting life with a disadvantage. The reality is that a country's rising balance sheet doesn't automatically mean that a child gets a warm home, a decent meal, and the support that they need in school. In fact, several of our high‑income Member States' child poverty rates are higher than the EU average, especially for single parents and children with disabilities.”
“Because if we do not act now – and act in a really serious way – we are telling young people that being abused is the price of being online, and that is a price no child should ever have to pay. 2-0433-0000”
“It should absolutely mean something really, really simple – that the ten-year old child that's listening today feels safe when they get home to their house. It should mean clear rules, real enforcement, rapid takedowns and some real penalties – something that we're really not seeing. But we also need to give parents and our teachers the real tools to act early and to treat online abuse as seriously as we do if it happened in the classroom or the playground. It is time for us, as a society, to rebuild safe spaces for our children to take back their childhood from our tech giants, to give them back their freedom and just a chance for them to be kids and to play and to be with each other.”
“Mr President, thank you Commissioner, there is probably a number of people in this room – and definitely lots watching – that were bullied when they were children, singled out for being different. But at least when you got home it was safe. Today there is no safe switch; you can't turn it off. Technology is supposed to open doors, not trap our children in a 24-hour cycle of abuse. But cyberbullying isn't inevitable, it is happening because we are allowing it on our watch. Today, Commissioner, the EU has launched its action plan against cyberbullying. Whilst that is really to be welcomed, action is the key word – this can't just be about another set of guidelines, more speeches, more headlines in the newspaper, and then we move on to the next thing but nothing changes.”
“We cannot compete when we move country by country, while others act together and invest at scale. This makes us weaker. And this is a security issue – whoever controls the digital networks controls influence. So Europe must not allow China or any other authoritarian state to gain access or leverage over our networks, our economy or our democracy, because our democracy actually depends upon it. Europe must take control, invest for the long term and put European security first. We have the plan, now we have to deliver. 3-0305-0000 Procedura "catch-the-eye" 3-0306-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, for too long, Europe has treated our digital comms as a tech matter; in truth, it's a political issue. We only ever notice our mobile phone network, our internet, when it falls. But our economies, public services and democracies rely on it every single day. Europe cannot be a global leader when every Member State plays by different rules, when investment is too slow or when we're reliant on networks that we don't control. Ireland has learned that the hard way. Communities were left behind, not because they lacked ambition, but because the infrastructure wasn't there. And the National Broadband Plan was a political choice by my party, Fine Gael, to invest, include and build resilience. Now Europe faces the same choice.”
“Fourthly, prioritising young people and students – more students need housing, innovative living models and support to reduce deposits. I just want to say, as Vice-Chair of the committee for the last year, you really have listened to us and really, really responded today. And I really look forward to supporting you in all of your endeavours. (The speaker declined to take a blue-card question) 2-0330-0000 IN THE CHAIR: CHRISTEL SCHALDEMOSE Vice-President 2-0331-0000 (The debate was suspended)”
“But, Commissioner, I really hope that we find the resources to deliver this as soon as possible instead of waiting until 2027. Our young people can't wait. It should also consider the impact of some environmental regulations. During a crisis, we need to take drastic measures, and I think the time has long passed for rebalancing the need between housing and critical infrastructure over environmental impacts of their construction. Secondly, this plan unlocks investment – real investment for Member States like Ireland that now can afford the delivery of housing supply for low and middle-income households. Thirdly, it tackles short-term rentals in a housing stress area. In parts of Dublin, there are more Airbnbs – empty houses – than there are people who are looking for houses. It's not sustainable.”
“Madam President, Commissioner Jørgensen, housing is now the single biggest cost-of-living pressure facing people across Europe. In Dublin, rents are at a record high. Young people can't afford to move out of their homes. Students are struggling to find digs. Even our nurses, teachers and Gardai can't live in the areas that they're serving. Whilst I recognise that housing has never been a European competence, a European crisis requires a European response. That is why the affordable housing plan that you've launched today is really important and really matters. Firstly, it focuses on supply. Europe needs more homes faster and that means cutting red tape, speeding up planning and supporting modern construction methods so that we can deliver homes at scale without sacrificing quality. The housing simplification package is enormously welcome.”
“We have set targets under ReFuelEU, but the rest of the world is moving much faster than we are. Singapore, for example, will require SAF use in every single departing flight from 2026. The US has already extended their SAF tax credit. Our challenge is supply. Our current rates of SAF production are much lower than the demand that even currently exists, so we need to invest to scale up. The EU has ambitious targets in terms of supply and demand for SAF in the aviation sector, but EU Member States need to do more to incentivise the production of SAF. Because if we don't get this right, Europe is going to be left scratching its head again, wondering why we're left out of such a vital sector where we really should have a strong presence. Let's make sure that doesn't happen. 4-0026-0000”
“Mr President, the aviation sector is an absolutely vital part of our European economy. It provides countless jobs and huge investment. It is also a vital lifeline for peripheral parts of the European Union, like my own country, Ireland. In 2019, air transport supported approximately 14 million jobs and EUR 851 billion to GDP in Europe. But decarbonisation remains a really important challenge and one that is vital not just for society but for our planet. The future development and success of this industry is strongly linked to the supply of sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF. However, the industry for SAF in the EU is currently extremely limited, with much more significant production taking place outside of Europe, in the US and China, due to their additional supports.”
“But while Northern Ireland no longer sends representatives to this House or to our other institutions, we should ensure that the voice of Northern Ireland's civic society organisations continues to be heard. 3-0411-0000”
“So we need to make sure that the EU remains open for engagement to dialogue, to hearing the voices of our neighbours, while rightly clamping down on abuses and illegal practices. Many Member States already have their own rules, and it is right that they can build a minimum standard, but we set the standard at an EU level. On a particular personal note, one place where I really feel that we must ensure that the voices of civil society continue to be heard is Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is unfortunately part of a third country, dragged out of the EU against a majority opinion. People in Northern Ireland, however, continue to have a birthright to EU citizenship should they want it, so Northern Ireland remains part of the Customs Union.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, people rightly expect high standards in politics, but the revelations about immoral or seemingly corrupt practices really do enrage people, and they damage the trust that we have in politics. And if people have no longer got trust in politics, well then democracy in itself is going to be undermined. We know that in the past there have been particular challenges when it comes to lobbying from countries outside of the EU, and so for that reason we need really clear rules, transparent supervisors, reduced bureaucracy and proper implementation. We also have to uphold people's fundamental rights, because it is important to recognise that representations can be legitimate, and third‑country groups, including civil society, have a right to express their positions.”
“Whether it is under 16s on social media without proper parental control, addictive design keeping children hooked for hours, or AI bots preying on our children's fears and insecurities, we need real age checks, real safeguards and real consequences. We absolutely must ensure that we are giving parents and children the resources and the information that they require to tackle this issue effectively. 2-0410-0000”