Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I was sad to see the fire which has partially destroyed the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. It is one of the most iconic and beautiful buildings in Europe. I send my solidarity to the people of Paris and France as they rebuild this important monument. It is important that we say this on the day that is in it.

What Sinn Féin wants to see is a fairer and more democratic European Union; a Union that works for the people of Europe, not for the handful of EU insiders or corporate interests. It is not, and should not be, seen as a question of being in the EU or out of the EU. This is about the credibility of the EU and we need to see radical change. Change is about defending national sovereignty and returning more power to member states. Decisions are being taken away from those who are most affected by them. Increasingly, democracy is being undermined and there is alienation of ordinary people in Europe. An end to the militarisation agenda and the drive towards an EU army is necessary. Social protections need to be strengthened, and there needs to be more transparency and accountability, along with a reduction in red tape and bureaucracy.

Our four Sinn Féin MEPs have made their voices heard, have been strong in their approach and, crucially, have made a difference and stood up for Ireland and articulated a different type of Europe. In respect of Brexit, it was our logical and correct position to maintain special status for the North that led to the position where we are now, namely that it has been adopted by the European Parliament and EU negotiators. We will also continue to fight for the rights of all Irish citizens be protected and upheld.

We have argued for a different approach from Europe on climate change and we opposed carbon tax; Dublin MEP, Lynn Boylan, only yesterday launched a report on the same issue. Our MEPs were instrumental in ensuring that Ireland's ability to opt out of domestic water charges was utilised and will continue to fight for it if their mandate is renewed. The fight against vulture funds being led by Deputy Pearse Doherty in this House is matched by Matt Carthy, MEP, at EU level where he and others have prevented the passage of a Bill that would allow vulture funds to be entirely unregulated. On Irish neutrality, we have been arguing for a specific protocol attached to EU treaties that respects and takes cognisance of Irish neutrality, similar to that secured by Denmark. Sinn Féin has opposed EU budgets being used for the arms industry. We have opposed cuts to the EU budget for important strategic sectors such as agriculture, regional development and investment in jobs and growth.

We have argued that it is time for a new direction in Ireland and in the EU institutions. It is time to stand up for Ireland and the interests of all of the people who share this island. It is time to end the Brussels power grab, to rein in the Commission and return powers to member states. Ireland's place is in the European Union, but the Union needs to change. The EU is far from perfect but the only way to address that and change it is from within. Our policy towards the EU remains one of critical engagement. Many aspects of our society ranging from community groups to business to education to agriculture have been able to expand as a result of the support they have received from the EU. We acknowledge the role that the Union played in the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement and we want the EU to continue in that role post Brexit. We will support what is right and good for Ireland while challenging shortcomings wherever we find them. In doing so, we can build a better Europe. The future of Europe must mean more democracy, not more federalism; more social investment, not more privatisation; and fiscal policies that aid and do not destroy social cohesion.

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