Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The 50th anniversary of Ireland's membership of the European Union is a major milestone in our history. Fianna Fáil campaigned for a Yes vote in the referendum on joining the EEC on this day 50 years ago. At the time, 83.1% of the Irish people voted Yes to Europe. It has been great to grow up in the heart of Europe and so many of us cannot remember a time when Ireland was not part of the European Union. We have been part of the EU for a generation and have seen what support from our neighbours can mean. During the Brexit negotiations, EU support meant we were able to retain the common travel area and secure the Northern Ireland protocol. We may be an island out on our own on the western tip of Europe but we never feel alone because of our close relationships within the EU. We are simply getting better because we know it is better to work together. We see this now as moves are being made to dismantle the protocol, but I urge everyone to harness the spirit of Europe and work together to bring about a stable government for Northern Ireland. As John Hume famously said, the European Union is the best example of conflict resolution in the history of the world. On a separate note, I congratulate all of candidates who were elected in the assembly elections in Northern Ireland. It was really good to see so many women standing for election.

We have seen major changes in Ireland in recent years, including Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Now we have women and children coming here who are fleeing war in Ukraine. Recent years have taught us a lot about the goodwill of the people of Ireland and about our community spirit. When we are asked to do something, we go at it and we really do our best to help in whatever way we can.

I have invited Mr. Billy Kelleher MEP to come to Carlow this week because it is important to recognise and mark 50 years of EU membership. For Carlow, my own home town and county, it is important to mark this anniversary. Mr. Kelleher will be meeting students, business people and farmers in Carlow to discuss the fact the European Union plays such a significant role in our daily lives, especially as other speakers have said, in respect of climate change, which a major issue.

It is so important to mark this occasion. I am a firm believer in the role of education and communication and, 50 years on, we really have come a long way. While we have a lot more to do, at least we are all together and working together.

I felt the Covid pandemic was a game-changer for us, with the vaccines and how we all worked together to make sure we did not lose lives. We did our best with the vaccine and there was a great supply. It goes to show that everybody working together can make that change.

I am delighted to speak on Europe Day. I am delighted to have our MEP in Carlow on Friday to celebrate 50 years in the European Union.

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