Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Comhghairdeas, a Chathaoirligh, as do phost nua. This is my first EU committee. I was on the education committee back in the day. Apologies for having to leave occasionally, like everyone else, for different events, votes, contributions, etc., and in advance, today, I have to head off at around 4 p.m.

This is a tumultuous time, not just in terms of the trade issues with the US but also the wars in Ukraine and Gaza where it seems the EU is beginning to finally wake up in terms of potentially looking at the trade agreement with Israel. There is a lot of stuff we can focus on and maybe assist in putting pressure, from an Irish perspective, on EU action in various areas and learn more about what is going on. I note we take over the Presidency next year. I presume, being new to this committee, we will be looking at the priorities of the incoming Danish Presidency in July in the first instance. I look forward to contributing in whatever way I can.