Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

People have benefitted from it across Europe.

The reason Ireland receives many migrants is the European project. Massive investment through the Cohesion Fund and the Structural Fund allowed us to invest in education, infrastructure and create a dynamic economy. The reason we have difficulties and challenges in ensuring no one is exploited in the labour market is the European Union has been successful in lifting Ireland out of economic depression. Any migrant coming to Ireland is coming because of all the reasons the European Union is good — the free movement of people, open markets and the fact that Ireland has a dynamic economy, a fact acknowledged worldwide.

We have also contributed to the European Union. We have reputable and highly respected Members representing the country at the Council of Ministers. We should never be shy in stating that we are capable of representing our opinions internationally and, predominantly, on the European stage. Irish Commissioners, including the late Dr. Patrick Hillery who sadly passed away recently, took us into the European project because it was an opportunity for Ireland. However, we should never be afraid to say that we have contributed equally. We gave of our expertise, commitment, neutrality and opinions——

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