Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

It will be a variation of that. It is ironic that I am speaking on Europe Day and the role of the Oireachtas in European affairs when I have always been sceptical of Ireland's role in the EU and was one of those who voted against the Lisbon treaty both times. However, I accept the reality.

Tá sé soiléir go bhfuil deacrachtaí agus fadhbanna os ár gcomhair amach sa tír seo agus ar fud na hEorpa, fadhbanna agus deacrachtaí maidir le cúrsaí eacnamaíochta, fostaíochta, ag baint le hathrú aeráide sa timpeallacht agus cúrsaí drugaí. Sa chúpla nóiméad atá agam, ba mhaith liom labhairt ar ábhar ar leith, our European development aid budget. I acknowledge that Europe is the largest donor of development aid. Ireland has a positive reputation for humanitarian work in Africa, Asia and South America. This is due to the selfless and generous work of organisations such as Goal, Trócaire and Concern and of Irish missionaries who have been trying to right the wrongs carried out by powerful European countries that, following the early voyages of Cortes and Magellan, went on an empire-building rampage, particularly in the 19th century. As such, alarm bells go off when I consider Lady Ashton's brief - foreign affairs and security. I fear that the development aid budget will be diverted or reduced, either openly or surreptitiously, towards security and increased militarisation to promote the self-serving interests of certain European countries. We need to remember and stress forcefully that we are a neutral country. Unlike other countries' forces, our troops have an excellent reputation as peacekeepers. I ask that Ireland be a voice to ensure the development aid budget goes directly to those most in need.

Leaving our economic recklessness aside, we are a respected member of the EU and the UN. We are in a unique position in terms of human rights issues. In Europe, Ireland could be a stronger voice in defending people's rights, including the right to peaceful protest and the basic freedoms we take for granted. For example, we could be stronger on the appalling human rights situation in Syria. We must lead by example by respecting the rights of citizens in every European country and by not allowing the discrimination, persecution or isolation of particular groups.

Regarding the headline targets, Ireland must lead by example on the climate change issue by doing what other civilisations have done, namely, think seven generations ahead. Under the education target, we must increase participation rates at third level and have a national action plan for inclusion in education. This is sadly ironic at a time when we are depriving children with special needs of their right to education.

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