Ms Gillian Coughlan:

Tá sé go hálainn a bheith anseo i dTeach Laighean inniu i measc mo chairde, mo chomhchomhairleoirí, iar-chathaoirligh coiste na réigiún, agus baill an chomhchoiste ar fad. Gabhaim buíochas libh ach go háirithe as ucht an fháilte.

I say "Szeretettel, üdvözöljük Dublinban", to the president of the European Committee of the Regions who spent yesterday with us in our company as members of the committee. As has been said, we have discussed cohesion policy with the lord mayor and with the Minister and emphasised the importance of this policy.

President Tütt described the new EU budget proposal as a monster set on swallowing cohesion policy whole - nationalising it, centralising it and, ultimately, defunding it - yet cohesion policy has long been the European Union's investment in balanced growth, the glue holding Europe's regions together. We cannot have a competitive and fair Europe without cohesion policy.

Cohesion policy has always been available to all of the regions - rural, urban, remote, central and outermost. These funds are one of the most visible manifestations of the EU in action, and they actively combat Euroscepticism, something we all as public representatives in Ireland see in our constituencies and feel the rise of.

We are here as local representatives and the cohesion policy is about local action. As local representatives, we are asking the committee to support our cause against the nationalisation and centralisation of cohesion policy. The proposed European fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security - even all of those hefty policy items in one fund or pot makes no sense - will pit farmers, businesses, NGOs and various levels of government against each another for access. This is not Europe working for the regions; this is Europe deepening regional disparities. Surely, that is not the esprit de corps of the European Union.

Next July, Ireland will take the reins of the EU for the eighth time. The Taoiseach has said that Ireland’s Presidency must be "defined by action." That action must include protecting cohesion policy and supporting our regions.

As Euroscepticism grows, Europe's multi-annual financial framework, MFF, must provide balanced regional development. Since 2018, Ireland has been a net contributor. This marked a new European journey for us in and one where we must actively make the case at home for why we must stay in the European Union while we still pay in more than receive.

I am proud to say, as head of the Irish delegation, that my colleagues and I are meeting this challenge head on. It is a genuine pleasure to lead our group in Brussels. These are dedicated public representatives who are working tirelessly on behalf of our communities, at home and abroad. We see the work being done in Europe, we understand it but we need the committee's support to help fully deliver it here at home.

Local authorities deliver essential services, but with greater empowerment and access to EU funding, they could do far more. Ireland is one of the most centralised states in Europe. We need stronger decision-making powers at local level so communities can respond directly to geopolitical and economic challenges as they arise.

EU funding is complex and the local authorities do not have the capacity to get to grips with it. That is why the Irish local government sector needs more expertise in Brussels and at home. The Irish regions European office plays a vital role. We have some of the staff here today. We can all attest, as delegation members, to the excellent work that has been done for the Irish delegation, but demand is growing. At present, only a few local authorities have dedicated European Union officers. By enacting the strategy for the Irish regions European office in Brussels and a local government support service in Ireland and establishing the proposed network of European officers across Ireland, we can do even more for communities. The ask today is that we would bring Europe into our communities even more deeply. We will need cohesion policy to do that. There is no point in appointing European officers if there are no cohesion funds. The MFF must service cohesion policy because cohesion policy serves communities, regions and local authorities.

With Ireland's Presidency approaching, now is the time to expand that work and show that the Irish Government at every level is fully engaged in Europe. The appetite is there. Local and regional government wants to engage more, to bring home opportunities and to ensure citizens see the benefit of Europe on their doorsteps. At a time of cost-of-living pressures, inflation and fiscal challenges, maximising EU support is not optional; it is essential. Let us commit to protecting cohesion policy, empowering the local authorities and deepening Ireland’s engagement with the European Union. Together, we can keep Europe visible, tangible and beneficial in the lives of our citizens. Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh.