Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Deputies who contributed to the debate. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Ireland's membership of the European Union, a momentous occasion that reminds us all of the importance of our shared values, solidarity and co-operation. The programme for Government underlined the Government’s commitment to being at the heart of the European home we helped build and to marking 50 years of Ireland's membership of the European Union. Since January 2022, beginning with the 50th anniversary of Ireland's historic signature of the Treaty of Accession and over the course of the 18-month EU50 programme, we have marked the milestones in our European journey. The EU50 programme has encouraged reflection on the celebration of 50 years of membership throughout society. Our young people, Departments, State agencies, schools, third-level institutions, local organisations, civic society, cultural organisations, local authorities, business groups and many more have all got involved.

As we celebrate this anniversary, it is important to reflect on Ireland's contribution to the European project. Ireland has been an active and committed member of the European Union and we have benefited greatly from our membership. Over the period since 1973, Ireland has played a vital role in shaping the EU's policies and institutions, while our economy has been transformed by the opportunities European Union membership has brought. European policies, legislation and funding have enhanced trade for Irish businesses, improved infrastructure and the quality of the environment, and changed how people work, travel and shop. It is appropriate to acknowledge also the solidarity of our EU neighbours in the context of Covid and Brexit.

However, our celebration of the 50-year milestone of our joining comes at a time of great uncertainty and challenge. Recent aggression by Russia against Ukraine has tested our solidarity and commitment to the values that underpin our Union. Ireland, along with our European partners, stands firmly with Ukraine in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have welcomed tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees and will continue to provide them with the support and assistance they need. As we look to the future, we must continue to work together to address the challenges we face. Climate change, digitisation and globalisation are among the many challenges that will shape our future, but I am confident that, together, we can rise to meet them.

The European Union is a union of values, founded on the principles of freedom, democracy, equality, human rights, human dignity and rule of law. These values are not just words on a page; they are the foundation of our Union and they guide our actions every day. It was fitting that the national postage stamp issued by An Post on 5 January last to mark the 50th anniversary of our membership featured six founding values of the European Union to which we subscribe. As we celebrate Europe Day, let us recommit ourselves to these values of the European Union. Let us celebrate our shared heritage, our diversity and our common purpose. Let us continue to work together to build a more prosperous, secure and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

In this regard, I thank the large number of Ministers and wider Oireachtas Members who, accompanied by ambassadors to Ireland from European member states, visited schools throughout the country to meet young people and celebrate Europe Day this year. Many of the primary schools visited are taking part in the blue star programme. Some of the post-primary schools are enrolled in the European Parliament's ambassador school programme and this year, through the ambassador role and the Government, we visited almost 470 schools.

I was delighted to visit five schools in north Westmeath, Loreto College in Mullingar ably hosted by Olivia Callaghan, the vice principal. We met the students there. Then we moved on to St. Finian's College where John McHale, the principal, Emma Carey and Aisling Ryan gave us a great welcome. All the students were highly engaged. The most important thing about Europe is to try to bring that foundation to the classroom and to show people the value of our membership.

In Presentation Senior School in Mullingar, Declan Fry and his team again give us a wonderful welcome. The students made a massive effort in putting on a number of performances in their general purpose, GP, area. From there, we went to St. Cremin's National School in Multyfarnham to visit fifth and sixth classes in the primary school and engage with the students. Finally in Wilson's Hospital in Mullingar we met Frank Milling, the principal, and the vice principal, John Galligan. The students there put on an incredible performance of "Ode to Joy" in their old church. We had a lovely fireside meeting with the German ambassador. I want to acknowledge to work of the ambassador's team and I thank the German ambassador for his engagement in all those schools and all the work of the teachers, staff and most importantly the students in our travels.

I thank the people of Ireland for their commitment to the European project and for their role in shaping the future of our Union. Let us continue to work together as partners in the European Union, standing up for our values and for the common good.

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