Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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I thank witnesses for their presentations, which were very interesting. I note what Mr. Donoghue said about the difficulties in respect of the EU concerning this matter and that there is no dedicated mechanism within the Commission to promote the SDGs. We also need improved European Council co-ordination on the goals. That is a point we need to take on board as a committee.

I was very struck by Coalition 2030's presentation, particularly the comments about the EU's strategic agenda. It is an alarming shift. Climate and nature are sidelined in favour of security, defence, migration, enlargement, economic development and on it goes. There was talk about backsliding and so forth so it is a big worry. I take Deputy Howlin's point about the move to the right in Europe and throughout the world and we will have a new European Parliament and European Commission. One wonders if there are any grounds for optimism at all. I admire Mr. Donoghue's optimism. I am stepping down from-----