Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Looking at the signatories of the motion, one realises those who have been sceptical about the European Union and the eurozone have generally come from the extreme far left or extreme far right. The scepticism remains the same. The signatories makes strange bedfellows. While they can quote statistics and talk about processes, per capita income, etc., they should note that Irish income per capita is the highest, apart from that of Luxembourg. The Deputies opposite have spoken about crisis. We have heard clichés and megaphones and everything that comes with them. If one considers how much we have progressed, and not only in terms of sovereignty, one realises that we have benefited enormously from being part of a strong union and eurozone. The Deputies refer to a crisis but this country was in crisis, just like Greece, Portugal and others. The eurozone is not in crisis. It is strong and the countries that constitute it have the ability to work with a strong currency. Banking union is required to copper-fasten the eurozone's future.

We now have a more democratic Europe. People forget that we have democratically elected MEPs and co-decision-making. The Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy are in trilogue, involving our Minister in the European Council, MEPs and the European Commission. We have benefited.

Like myself, Deputy Pringle, a signatory of the motion, is from a fishing town. He would not be too quick to fly the flag for Europe in towns such as Killybegs or Castletownbere. The benefits are forgotten in the motion. Our towns represent a good microcosm. Before the European Union, most of the exports from our two towns went to Billingsgate and not much farther, and the exporters got nothing for them. They are now going to the Union, for prices that result in a sustainable industry. While it is not perfect, one must realise we are almost three quarters of the way across the river. This motion proposes that we turn back. I fundamentally disagree with that approach. Social and financial legislation and regulation, which we have not had in this country but which we will see coming from the Union, will ensure a stronger, better economy not only for us, but for the Union as a whole. I do not agree with the motion, as tabled.

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