Thomas Byrne
Meath East · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“We are very proud of the work they do in what are often very dangerous circumstances. Let us be 100% clear: our troops will only ever do peacekeeping, peace enforcement or conflict prevention in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and, of course, as with every action of this Government, in accordance with the Constitution.”
“To be clear on what our troops will be doing, they will be doing peacekeeping, peace enforcement and conflict prevention. That is what the law says; not what the Deputy imagines it to be. We are bound by our Constitution and international law. The legislation changes nothing in that regard.”
“We are bound by international law. We are bound by international law since our Constitution came into force and we continue to be bound by international law and always will be, no matter what happens to this legislation. International law governs what we do as a Government.”
“I propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 140, 157 and 185 together. I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister. A commitment to reform what is known as the triple lock was set out in the programme for Government.”
“-----in accordance with UN principles and, of course, in accordance with our own Constitution, which commits us to peace and friendly relations among nations. The triple lock is a statutory mechanism.”
“Switzerland, the classical neutral country that is not even a member of the European Union and will never join the European Union, it is so neutral and independent, accepts UN, EU and OSCE mandates. I understand the situation is similar in Austria, which is another neutral country. By the way, it is also similar in Germany.”
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“What is the difference between an independent Ireland and an Ireland under the British? It is that we can protect ourselves. We should have Defence Forces that can protect this island, ward off cyber threats and protect our economic security and our peace. We will not be joining NATO and we will not be joining any EU common defence. There are no proposals for an EU common defence. Those who rightly talk about Robert Schuman in glowing terms seem to forget or maybe do not know that he was one of the founding signatories of NATO. He saw common defence among those countries that decided to join NATO as a way of protecting the peace they built among themselves. Every country has its own nuance on defence. We must understand everybody's particular defence requirements.”
“We see Ireland's place at the heart of Europe, shaping those debates, talking very strongly about the issues that matter to us, shaping the legislation, making sure Irish interests are protected. We do not double-speak. We do not fudge or remove articles from our party's website. Our answer is yes to the European Union, yes to our European Union, and yes to a Union that delivers prosperity and peace to our citizens. I will talk briefly about security and defence. It is important to remember, as some Members in fairness have acknowledged, that security and defence is always a matter for the member states. Our tradition of neutrality is very much recognised every single time there is a decision or conclusion in relation to defence. When people talk about defence, what are we talking about? We are protecting our independence.”
“As the European Union continues to evolve to meet new challenges, it is right that we pause both to look forward and to acknowledge the extraordinary individuals who have shaped our path quietly, courageously and with great conviction. I smiled when Sinn Féin talked about supporting Europe and mentioned the word "eurosceptic" first. In all the EU referendums held in Ireland, each time, Sinn Féin said no to the EU. I am very proud that my party, Fianna Fáil, led Ireland into the European Union. Unlike almost all the Opposition parties, we advocated a yes vote in 1972. I have to refute the euroscepticism that has been outlined by some in the Opposition.”
“That is why they are there. On the democratic deficit, I have never seen our MEPs more engaged with constituents than they currently are and have been in the last number of parliaments. They are much more visible on the ground and much more active in public debate. The public are much more aware of them. As Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs and defence, I see every day the importance of the Union, the work we do to defend democracy and the rule of law, the steps we take to deepen our security and defence co-operation and the solidarity we show Ukraine and other partners under threat.”
“Schuman said that Europe will not be made all at once or according to a single plan, but that it will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity. These words ring true today as they did in 1950, when the Venerable Robert Schuman said them. Europe Day, on 9 May, is a time to reflect on these achievements and the values that underpin them. Here in Ireland, we mark the day through public events, school programmes and of course through this annual debate in the Oireachtas. We did it in the Seanad last week. It is more than a formality to debate this and discuss it. It is a chance to reaffirm our deep commitment to the European Union and to articulate our vision for the future. People have various visions for the future. We elect our governments and MEPs to put that vision into practice.”
“We became independent in the 1920s, formed our Constitution in the 1930s and then became a Republic. The reality is that our sovereignty was very much dependent on what might happen in London, until we joined the European Economic Community. It is my contention that our sovereignty has been enhanced by joining the European Economic Community, which became the European Union. Unity has helped the European Union but we have not always been united. We are certainly not united on the situation in Gaza and Palestine. That is absolutely the case. Nor are we united on the case of Ukraine, I would have to say. There are people there who do not agree with what the European Union has done.”
“Irish support for membership is very high, and the people who support it the most are our young people. The surveys show that. It has never been solely about economics, although they are very important. We saw in the EU a political and moral project, one that places peace, reconciliation and human dignity at its core. For us Catholics, it is no coincidence that Robert Schuman is on the road to canonisation. He has been declared a Venerable by the Catholic Church for his work for peace. This man is not just a politician but a very important religious figure within the Roman Catholic Church, because of what he did for peace. We have always championed a Union in which all member states, large and small, have an equal voice. As a small nation we have benefitted enormously from this principle.”
“Our membership has helped transform a country from an isolated economy on the periphery of Europe to a modern, open and globally connected State. It is no exaggeration to say that we have been transformed. One million people were working in this country in 1973 and there are 2.7 million people working here now. European Union membership has been key to that. We have shaped our society as well, reinforced our commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We have opened opportunities for citizens to live, work, study and travel across the Continent. That is why support in Ireland for the European Union and our membership of it is among the highest in the world. I did not mention the word "euroscepticism" until now but it has been mentioned on the Opposition benches.”
“I thank all the Members for their interesting contributions. It is fitting in this House, as we represent the sovereign will of the Irish people, that we pause to reflect on the past, present and future of the European Union and Ireland's unique and valued place within it. We must never forget when we talk about the European Union that we are the European Union. The European Union is not a foreign entity. It is a union and we are all members of it. We elect the governments that make up the Council, we elect the MEPs that make up the Parliament. Any law that passes through the European Union has to be passed by both of them. When we joined the European Economic Community in 1973, we embraced Robert Schuman's idea of shared sovereignty for shared prosperity.”
“Those institutions, whether the Parliament, Council or Commission, are populated by people who have either been democratically elected or appointed by democratically-elected people. They are valuable and have delivered for the people. If we want to influence them, we must vote and put people in that will influence them in the way we wish. As we prepare to assume the very important Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026, we will continue to champion European values, to deepen our engagement with EU partners, and to play our full part in shaping the Europe of tomorrow.”
“Its success lies not in perfection, because nothing is perfect, but in the capacity of its member states, parliamentary representatives and Commissioners to work together, resolve differences, and stand united in the face of adversity. Today, we recommit to that legacy and to the values of peace, solidarity, democracy, and the rule of law that underpin it. Again I say, we are the European Union. It is so important when talking about the European Union not to say "the EU did this" or "the EU did that" because we are the EU. The MEPs decide on laws, along with the member states. Nobody else is responsible for that. The Commission proposes them. We must, at all times, support, uphold and protect the institutions of the European Union because they protect us.”
“Programmes like Erasmus+, Creative Europe, and DiscoverEU offer young people transformative experiences. They broaden horizons, build friendships, and foster a sense of shared European identity. Ireland is committed to ensuring that our young people can access these opportunities, and that our citizens are well-informed and empowered to shape the EU’s direction. In recent years, we have seen how essential public trust is to European co-operation, whether in responding to a pandemic, addressing climate change, or confronting geopolitical threats. We must maintain and strengthen that trust through transparency, inclusion, and open dialogue. As we mark Europe Day 2025, we honour a legacy built on hope and hard-won peace. The European Union was born out of catastrophe, chaos and war but built through courage.”
“We support efforts to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and to create a more dynamic, flexible, and innovation-friendly internal market. We also strongly support the EU’s efforts to accelerate investment in strategic infrastructure, especially in energy and digital networks. As a country possessed of renewable resources, particularly offshore wind, Ireland has an opportunity to become a key supplier of clean energy to Europe, provided we make the necessary investments in grid infrastructure and interconnections. Europe is not just a project of states but is also a project of people. To succeed, it must resonate in the daily lives of our citizens. That is why public engagement, civic education, and cultural exchange are so important, particularly for our youth.”
“We owe it to our citizens and to those beyond our borders who look to the EU as a beacon of democracy to stand firm in defence of these principles. As we celebrate Europe’s achievements, we must also remain focused on building its future. In an era of intense global competition, maintaining and enhancing the EU’s competitiveness is paramount which means investing in skills, innovation, research and development. It also means removing barriers to doing business, particularly for SMEs, and completing the Single Market. We want to cut red tape for business. We want to expand the Single Market to make sure it delivers for services and digital technologies. Ireland welcomes the European Commission’s focus on competitiveness and simplification or, as I like to call it, cutting red tape.”
“At the heart of the EU is a community that values of democracy, equality, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. These principles are enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. We face unprecedented geopolitical instability at this time, from Russian aggression on the doorstep of Europe, to the rise of extremism and a new transatlantic trading relationship. Standing for our values has never been so consequential. When these values are undermined, whether by attacks on judicial independence, freedom of expression, or minority rights, the credibility and cohesion of the entire Union are at risk. Ireland is firmly committed to upholding these values at home and abroad. We support strong EU mechanisms to monitor rule of law compliance and to act decisively when necessary.”
“Ukraine and Moldova are undertaking bold reforms under incredibly difficult circumstances. The countries of the western Balkans, particularly Albania and Montenegro, are advancing key legislative and institutional reforms. To support this process, Ireland will open new embassies this year in Belgrade, Chisinau, and Sarajevo. We have also established a new accession assistance fund to help candidate countries reach EU standards. These are tangible signs of our belief in the European project and our commitment to shaping its future. As we look ahead to Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026, we intend to keep enlargement high on the agenda,not only as a political process, but as a reaffirmation of Europe’s purpose which is to bring peace, stability and democracy to all its peoples.”
“For Ireland, membership of the European Union is an essential part of who we are as a people. It is important to remind ourselves that we are the European Union. The success of our membership has been recognised by the Irish people. According to the most recent Eurobarometer, 91% of Irish citizens believe we have benefitted from EU membership, the highest approval rating in the Union. We are one of the success stories of the EU and in return we have given back, not only as a net contributor to the European budget, but by being a reliable, constructive, and outward-looking member of the Union and working together to achieve progress for everybody, including ourselves. Ireland is an advocate of EU enlargement. We believe that all European countries that meet the Copenhagen criteria should have the opportunity to join the Union.”
“The European Union has been an engine of peace and prosperity for over half a century. It has helped us to transform economically, socially, and politically since we joined over 50 years ago. Membership of the EU has given Ireland a platform to amplify our voice on the global stage. It has given our people the freedom to live, study, and work across 27 countries. It has opened markets for our businesses, advanced gender equality, safeguarded workers' rights, and underpinned investment in infrastructure, education, and innovation. Most importantly, the EU has helped to anchor our own democratic development and supported Ireland through some of the most challenging chapters in our history, from the global financial crisis, to Brexit, and the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Maritime security has become increasingly vital because our exclusive economic zone is nearly seven times the size of our land mass. The safeguarding of critical undersea infrastructure, including telecommunications cables and energy connections, is a priority. Likewise, our defences against cyber and hybrid threats are being strengthened. Disinformation, espionage, and foreign interference are real risks to our democracy and we are working with our EU partners to counter these challenges collectively. Ireland welcomes the European Commission’s White Paper for European Defence, Readiness 2030, which is a practical step towards ensuring that member states are equipped to respond to shared threats. We support deeper co-operation but we know there will always be respect for our sovereign choices and constitutional parameters.”
“Russia’s aggression has transformed the European security landscape and has laid bare the vulnerabilities that we face, from conventional warfare to cyberattacks, energy coercion, and disinformation campaigns. Ireland, while a militarily neutral state, is not a neutral party when it comes to violations of international law, human rights, or the sovereignty of our neighbours. We are, and remain, an active contributor to European and international security in a manner consistent with our long-standing policy of neutrality. That neutrality must be underpinned by credibility and capability. We have already significantly increased our defence spending, with investment going towards modernising our Defence Forces and developing strategic capabilities.”
“Ireland and its EU partners have repeatedly urged Israel to comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. Ireland and the European Union must be clear that this situation is unacceptable and that obstructing life-saving aid is a violation of Israel’s international obligations. Ireland and the EU must be unequivocal in our calls on Israel to immediately lift the blockade and allow for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid. The European Union can and should continue to do more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. This remains a priority for Ireland’s continuing engagement at EU level.”
“We all want peace but how we achieve it matters. Any resolution must have Ukraine at its centre and any peace must be just, lasting, and one in which Ukraine is empowered to negotiate from a position of strength. Ireland supports ongoing diplomatic efforts, including recent proposals for ceasefire arrangements, and welcomes renewed US engagement in pursuit of a peaceful resolution. The situation in the Middle East also remains a central foreign policy priority for Ireland and the EU. It has been over nine weeks since food, medicines and other essential supplies have been allowed to enter Gaza. We have reports from the World Food Programme that food supplies are running out, with famine now a real risk for many in Gaza.”
“It was a deeply moving experience that reminded me again of the urgency and relevance of Europe’s founding ideals. Despite the relentless brutality of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression, I saw the determination, the dignity and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. They are defending not only their land, but also the European values of democracy, sovereignty and the rule of law. Ukraine sees its future as one within the European family. We in Ireland fully support that vision. Since the beginning of this war, the European Union has shown unity and leadership, providing Ukraine with unprecedented levels of financial, military and humanitarian support. Let us be clear: the threat Ukraine faces is not only existential for its people, but it is also a threat to the stability and security of Europe as a whole.”
“Schuman’s declaration opened with a striking truth that remains just as urgent now as it was then. He stated that, "World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it". It is that creative effort, that sense of purpose and imagination, harnessed through unity, that we celebrate today. Europe was rebuilt from the ashes of destruction through reconciliation and integration, not domination or division. Today, as we reflect on the foundations of peace in Europe, we cannot ignore that war has returned to our continent. Recently, I returned from an official visit to Ukraine, where I travelled to Odesa and Kyiv with my Lithuanian colleague, Deputy Foreign Minister, Sigitas Mitkus.”
“I am glad that Europe is still as popular as ever. I am sure the Members who are due to arrive will arrive very soon. I suppose, given the order of the Dáil, I must go ahead. I am glad to join the Ceann Comhairle and the people of Ireland to mark Europe Day 2025. This year, we mark not only Europe Day, but also a remarkable milestone in our shared history, that is, the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. Seventy-five years ago, on 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman proposed a visionary new form of political co-operation in Europe, one that would make war between European nations not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible. His words were shaped by the trauma of two world wars and gave birth to an idea that would eventually become the European Union as we know it today.”
“It is incumbent on all of us and we are all responsible for electing the best people, whether it is into government in Ireland or into the European Parliament, to ensure the European institutions are representative of the views we want as a people. They have done that. The debate today is important in order that we have a robust debate on the policies, the institutions and the regulations and directives which are passed. Fundamentally, however, let us work night and day to protect those institutions we can vote for and in which we have free speech and free assembly, because many others do not.”
“I again thank the Senators for the work they are doing in highlighting our European journey and in having a debate about it. This is the very important part of it. We should guard with our lives the European Union institutions - the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council - because they are so important. How we want them to be directed is a matter for the people and for democracy, and we vote. That is the important point to remember. We must separate the policies from the institutions. The European Union and the very fact of sitting around the table and working things out with other member states and MEPs from other countries has been of immeasurable benefit to all of us.”
“It was a very important priority for us in the previous negotiations for the multi-annual financial framework. Senator Murphy also mentioned the electronic travel authorisation which, of course, is a huge bugbear for us and we have engaged with it on numerous occasions. I do not want to go into the details of the meeting I had with the Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, in London this week but that issue was certainly raised. It and its consequences are certainly something the Government in the UK is aware of now. The previous British Government brought it in and I feel there was a lack of awareness at that time of the impact on tourism and on local movement. They are certainly aware of the impact this is having and we will continue to work with our British counterparts on this issue.”
“At the end of the day, it is up to each member state to conduct its own defence, and we must conduct our own defence, protect our independence and invest in our neutrality. On the North of Ireland, it is of course regrettable that Northern Ireland is not a member of the European Union and I bitterly regret that. I welcome the comments from Senator Murphy about Northern Ireland's place, the work that was done throughout Brexit and that that has to continue. It continued this week in terms of my engagements with our UK counterparts in London. Senator Murphy raised the PEACEPLUS programme. That is continuing to invest in Northern Ireland and Border counties. It is funded by the Irish Government, the British Government and the European Union.”
“Our national sovereignty has been massively increased by sitting at the European table, making those decisions and putting Ireland's best foot forward in working with European countries. We are sitting around the table with all of the other European leaders who remain within the Union. Our neutrality is a Government policy, it is a tradition in this country and it has been in no way impacted by our membership of the European Union. Every single set of conclusions from the European Council, the treaties and the defence papers refer to the particular characteristics of certain member states, which now are Ireland, Austria, Cyprus and Malta. All of these reference that and acknowledge that we are a bit different.”
“On Mercosur, this country is very much in favour of trade agreements but we have concerns about the agricultural impact and there is no question about that. I have had a number of in-person meetings with my French counterpart on Mercosur, and I thank the Senator for those comments. Senator Ahearn also hit the nail on its head when he said that until we joined the European Union, there was a great dependence on the United Kingdom. That was the practical reality, whether it was interest rates, the currency or what we did day to day. Contrary to what Senator McCarthy and others have said about this moving away from the Schuman Declaration, by our joining the European Union we have increased our national sovereignty. Senator McCarthy thought that the concept of our national sovereignty has gone away and needs to come back.”
“We cannot allow Russia and China to continue to dictate the pace in the work we do as a sovereign country in the European Union. I also thank my colleagues from the Government side who have raised very important issues. I thank Senator Casey and Senator O'Loughlin, who talked about their work on the Council of Europe which, of course, works very closely with the European Union. Senator Paul Daly mentioned the Common Agricultural Policy, and I can say that as the multi-annual financial framework negotiations start - they are at their very early stages - he can rest assured that the issue of the CAP is something we are very cognisant of and is a priority for this country. We are not the only ones and there are many other countries that also want to be in that space.”
“The Security Council is the only body that can mandate rules that have to be followed under international law. The General Assembly cannot do that and that has not been the case since the foundation of the United Nations. It simply cannot mandate rules that have to be complied with under international law.”
“We also have operated under a UN mandate in lots of place around the world, but UN mandates have to be renewed. It is time to remove the triple lock, because at the moment what it means in the case of UNIFIL or Operation Althea in Bosnia is that when these mandates require renewal we must ask Russia, China and other members of the Security Council to please let us send our troops to do the work they have been so proud to do over many decades. It needs to be decision of the Government and of the Dáil that we decide where our peacekeepers go to help with peace and do the work they have been so excellent at doing. The time has come to end this practice whereby, because of the way the UN Security Council in particular is working, we have to ask permission from Russia and China to send out troops to do peacekeeping.”
“I went two weeks ago to see Operation Irini where Irish troops work with troops from other EU member states under Italian command and a UN mandate to detect and stop weapons coming in illegally from north Africa, especially Libya. The force also does a lot of work on people movement and human trafficking. I have not looked at the votes but this would have gone through the Dáil, certainly, and Members can look at who voted for and against this. I was very proud of the members of our Defence Forces serving abroad with Irini, the skills they are bringing and the skills they are bringing back. We have engaged in EU battle groups since 2008, which is almost 20 years. They have proved to be highly successful for our armed forces in terms of the work they do.”
“There is a fundamental misconception among the Opposition about defence and militarisation. Defence policy is a matter for each member state. Each member state takes its own decisions on defence and the decisions we have taken on defence go back to the Commission on the Defence Forces, which was an initiative of the previous Government, before the invasion of Ukraine. It was a programme for Government commitment in 2020 because we recognised the need to invest in our armed forces. That is happening and we are doing that because of our own decisions. I strongly urge Members of the House and members of the defence, European or foreign affairs committees to visit Irish troops abroad.”
“That is the reality countries are facing and the reality of the choices they are being forced to make not because they want to increase militarisation and think defence spending should be the number one priority but because it is an existential priority of these countries to protect themselves. We must protect the peace of Europe. We must defend it. We must invest in our neutrality. I hear people criticising military spending. We are spending on better terms and conditions for members of our armed forces and on having more members of those forces. We are spending it on primary radar, which we do not have. We are spending it on, for example, Gormanston Camp to develop the facilities to train in a proper way members of the armed forces. That is what defence spending means in Ireland.”
“That must be preserved, but it must be protected and secured as well. We are very fortunate to live in peace and fortunate for the founding vision of our forefathers and foremothers that led us to the European Union. Unfortunately for the European Union and its member states, there is a country that has not really been mentioned by those talking about militarisation, namely, Russia. Russia has built up an incredible armed force against Ukraine, directly attacked Ukraine but also been a menace to many countries in the European Union and the surrounding areas. North Korea has sent soldiers to the front lines against Ukraine. Last week I visited a site in a residential area of Kyiv where 51 buildings were basically destroyed by a North Korean missile.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions to the debate. We have all, in some ways, quoted from the Schuman Declaration. It is important to remember, and Senator Higgins is right, that the original proposal for the European Union was to physically merge the coal and steel industries of Europe so it would not just be theoretically impossible to have a war on the European Continent between those countries, but it would be practically impossible as they would not be able to make weapons to fight against each other. That has worked remarkably successfully in the Continent of Europe and among the member states of the European Union. There has been no war among those member states when war had been commonplace over many centuries. The European Union has, therefore, been the greatest example of a peace project in the history of the world.”
“We now face significant challenges, from climate change to digital transformation and wider geopolitical tensions. In responding to those challenges, we need a well informed and engaged public. Education is essential for Irish people to actively engage with political processes both at national and EU level. Let us be hopeful too because more than once in the past, by working together and communicating with one another, we overcame enormous challenges, most recently, the global pandemic. As we reflect today on 75 years of European unity and 52 years of Irish membership of the European Union, we recommit ourselves to the values that have underpinned Europe’s success, namely, peace, democracy, solidarity and the rule of law. We look ahead with optimism and resolve to the continued evolution of our Union.”
“A properly functioning Single Market, particularly for services, will be fundamental to Europe’s long-term competitiveness in the era of fierce global competition. Addressing the EU’s competitiveness challenges, including the regulatory burdens faced by small and medium enterprises, will be critical to generating improved and enduring competitiveness in the EU and delivering prosperity for citizens. Ireland welcomes the focus the von der Leyen Commission has placed on this. It is of strategic importance that the EU develops resilient and integrated energy networks to maximise our renewable potential and enhance security of supply. Ireland has called for increased investment in energy grids, interconnections and digital network infrastructure. The EU has reached a pivotal point.”
“It forms the bedrock on which the EU is founded and is key to the EU’s good functioning, including for the application of EU law, the protection of human rights and the operation of the Single Market. We have seen some regrettable backsliding on the rule of law in certain member states. This represents a serious challenge to the EU. It is essential that the EU has the necessary tools to monitor rule-of-law developments and respond to these challenges where they arise. Citizens across the Union have the right to feel protected from those who threaten our values, even if those threats come from their own governments. Ireland has been a strong proponent of refocusing the EU agenda on competitiveness, productivity and removing barriers within the Single Market. We view the Single Market as being critical to improved competitiveness.”
“This is necessary for our competitiveness and continued economic prosperity. Ireland is about to open new embassies in Belgrade, Chișinău and Sarajevolater this year and we have created a new fund to help candidate countries to reach EU standards. These actions are concrete demonstrations of our commitment to EU enlargement and a recognition of the important role that enlargement willplay in our Presidency of the European Union in 2026. At its heart, the European Union is a community of values, enshrined by Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which many people in these Houses voted against. However, adherence to the rule of law is core to those values.”
“The Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, said to me last week that Ukraine is working hard on the reforms it needs and wants, which will benefit its economy and ultimately get the country into the European Union. She asked me to remember that in the context of a war and full-scale invasion of her country, this requires a serious effort. It is a huge amount of work and I thank the Government of Ukraine for what it is doing, as I do others who are helping it. The countries of the western Balkans, Montenegro and Albania in particular, are taking crucial steps to seize the new momentum they have long awaited. As well as being the EU’s best tool to consolidate democracy, peace and stability in Europe, enlargement will grow the market and deepen the talent pool.”
“The people in the institutions are a matter for the democratic elections, whether that is the European Parliament, which is directly elected, the Council of Ministers, which is appointed by the governments elected by the peoples in the member states, or the Commission, which is appointed by those democratically elected governments. The institutions are very important to us and we must continue to take a strong interest in who we send to those institutions. That is the choice of the people. As a Government, we believe that every European country deserves the same opportunity we had to join the European Union, provided they meet the necessary criteria. I commend the efforts in Ukraine and Moldova to implement accession-related reforms, especially given their very challenging circumstances.”
“Over the last 50 years, we have strengthened our human rights record, progressed civil and social rights, introduced gender equality legislation, which we continue to do, improved the protection of workers’ rights and the rights of marginalised persons and become a more tolerant, kinder and inclusive country. The people of Ireland recognise this reality. According to the most recent Eurobarometer poll, an impressive 91% of Irish citizens believe that we have benefited from being part of the European Union. When we talk about the EU, it is important that this State gives total support to the institutions of the European Union because those institutions are our protection.”
“From modest beginnings, the European Union has grown into a Union of 27 nations, diverse, democratic and united. Ireland, in particular, has grown over the last 50 years since we first joined the European Economic Community. Through our membership, we have a seat at the table and an amplified voice at international level. Time and again, we have been told that this is some threat to or imposition on our sovereignty. It is not; it is a sharing of sovereignty among all the countries of the European Union which gives us all a stronger voice in the world. The benefits of EU membership are both wide-ranging and deeply felt. From the right of Irish people to live and work across Europe to economic growth driven by the Single Market and access to European funding programmes, such as Erasmus, all of these have enriched many lives.”
“Ireland has already seen significant increases in national defence spending in the past few years. That has allowed us to procure much-needed capabilities. We are, in effect, investing in our neutrality. The Government is also increasing investment in the countering of cyber and hybrid threats, such as disinformation, and protecting our critical sub-sea infrastructure. We welcome the publication of the European White Paper on Defence – Readiness 2030. We see the value in EU member states and partners working together to mitigate the threats and challenges we collectively face as democracies. No state acting alone can address the entirety of existing and emerging security challenges and Ireland stands ready to contribute constructively to developing the EU’s security and defence.”
“Recent geopolitical tensions have placed the topic of security and resilience of our critical undersea infrastructure to the fore, with increased media attention and mounting concerns for critical undersea infrastructure across industry and at state level. The Government is committed to ensuring that the right systems, resources and tools are in place to defend the State and our independence. We need to meet the challenges of the future and to work with international partners in a manner consistent with our policy of military neutrality. Investment in our defence and security acts as an insurance policy for our State and its people. The programme for Government commits to a major transformation and modernisation programme for the Defence Forces, which is already under way and includes urgent capability development.”
“There needs to be a clear European role as well. Russia's aggression against Ukraine has changed the European security environment dramatically. The EU, its member states and our neighbouring countries are faced with a range of threats and challenges to our security that are acute and growing. With an exclusive economic zone of close to seven times our land area, maritime security is an essential domain of strategic importance to Ireland. In fact protecting and defending this State and ensuring our armed forces are supplied with the resources they need are a mark of our independence and the difference between being an independent country and being a country under Britain, as we were for many years.”