Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Beyond this, I have also consistently said that Europe must adapt. We have proposed changes to the Stability and Growth Pact and to the fiscal rules, along with the implementation of a European pillar of social rights. It is interesting that there are now voices, even from those who are very pro-European, like Mr. Macron - I see our Minister for Social Protection supporting his campaign over the weekend - seeking to change the direction of Europe and re-engage it. We need to be to the forefront not only in talking about mitigating Brexit, but in imagining, envisaging and arguing for a social Europe that meets the needs of all our people.

I do not believe we have heard from Government on these issues. We have heard over recent months about the importance of our experience of the EU, but it is understood that we are going to be the most impacted country after Brexit. That is a leverage we have as well as a challenge. We can argue for the type of Europe the people of Ireland want, which is based on social rights, on prosperity and on solidarity in a way that has been absent over the last decade. I look forward to playing a constructive role for my party in those discussions.

See this speech in context