John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The European Council summit represents a major achievement for the European Union. For a time, it seemed no agreement would be reached. The negotiations exposed challenges faced by the EU, ones that threatened the very fabric of the Union. Sinn Féin has consistently held a policy of critical engagement with the European project, deeply mindful of the benefits that Ireland accrued from its membership but critical of the bureaucratic approach that has too often brushed aside the interests and concerns of smaller states, such as Ireland.

The European Union's primary achievement has been to prevent a major outbreak of conflict in the union since the end of World War 2. Many observers have linked the Next Generation EU with the Marshall Plan which helped rebuild post-war Europe. However, as was the case with the Marshall Plan, it seems Ireland will be left on the outside yet again, its face pressed against the glass looking longingly while the funds are divided out. As the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Byrne, stated clearly, Ireland, as one of Europe's smallest countries, which was devastated by the financial crisis caused by the Taoiseach's party the last time it was in government, and now faces the major challenges thrown at us by Brexit, will pay more into the new recovery fund than we will receive. That is almost unbelievable.

When I listened to the Taoiseach's remarks on the progress of the talks over the weekend I was amazed at his approach. I found it difficult to understand the Government's willingness to acquiesce to the continuing relegation of Ireland's interests in Europe. This country has witnessed a long line of Fianna Fáil Governments which have attempted to sell the benefits of trickle-down economics. The current Fianna Fáil Taoiseach is trying to sell us the idea that we should pay to watch the rest of Europe progress and we will reap the rewards through a form of synergistic association with Europe's wealth. Then I read that the Council's President, Charles Michel, said the agreement is about a lot more than money, it is about workers and families, their jobs, their health and their well-being. Then it made sense. Why should a Government that had repeatedly and unashamedly worked against the interests of workers and their families suddenly start giving a damn now?

It has been agreed that approximately one third of the €1.8 trillion combined EU Next Generation fund and the multi-annual financial framework, MFF, will be directed towards climate action projects, this €550 billion is significantly short of the €2.4 trillion required to meet EU climate targets.

I fear the plight of Irish farmers and their families. The Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, has been cut by 9%. My fear is compounded by reports that allies of the Green Party are already calling for the CAP to be aligned with the EU green deal. It is terrifying for Irish farmers that the Green Party might be let lose on CAP. The Government's inability to grasp the potential impact on the agricultural sector is only comparable with its disregard for the plight of ordinary workers and their families across the country.

The Department of Finance reports that Ireland's EU contribution will rise to €2.7 billion this year from €2.4 billion last year. This could rise again depending on the amount of non-recycled plastic waste in the country. Would the Taoiseach consider a nationwide emergency community employment scheme to pick up empty plastic bottles? We seem to be powerless to effect any influence on the funds that Ireland will give to the EU for Ireland to pay for Europe's recovery.

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