Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I want to begin with the nature restoration law, the first Continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind. I hope it will be the most consequential legislation passed by the current European Parliament. It is in jeopardy for the very reason that Fine Gael's partner in the European Parliament, the European People's Party, EPP, has once again played its nefarious, right-wing, conservative hand to bring down a law that would benefit Europe and humanity as a whole. The law is a key element of the EU biodiversity strategy. It calls for binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters. Our very own citizen's assembly garnered similar findings, and we are already lagging on the targets we have set for ourselves in this area.

The Bill aims to restore ecosystems, habitats and species across the EU's land and sea areas to enable the long-term and sustained recovery of biodiverse and resilient nature, to contribute to achieving the EU's climate mitigation and adaptation objectives and to meet international commitments. It is about preserving the very planet we live on.

The centre right, particularly the EPP, of which Fine Gael is founding member and with which it continues to be partnered, and far-right parties want to reject outright the proposal that aims to restore habitats and species that have been degraded by human activity and climate change, saying it threatens agricultural production and therefore food safety. EPP legislator Christine Schneider reiterated the party's stance recently, calling for the European Commission to "rewrite" its proposal, describing it as a "badly-designed law". This is badly designed scapegoating and the world cannot wait. Ms Schneider's statement is not in line with our values. We do not have time to waste when it comes to preserving our environment.

Fine Gael's friend the EPP withdrew from negotiations in the European Parliament on this issue, citing potential effects on farmers and rural communities. This is fearmongering. The party is making wildly inaccurate statements without foundation. This stance is so incredibly out of touch with our climate and biodiversity targets. How can Fine Gael continue to align itself with such a conservative climate policy during the greatest emergency our planet has ever faced? This is not even the most egregious action of the EPP during the current term of the European Parliament.

A dark cloud is hanging over Europe. More than 5,000 deaths have been recorded on European migration routes since 2021, and 29,000 have died in the past ten years on these routes. The Missing Migrants Project records show that many of the deaths on migratory routes to destination countries in Europe could have been prevented by prompt and effective assistance to migrants in distress.

The actions of some EU governments recently have been beyond negligent, if not nefarious, when it comes to migrants and refugees. The EPP and the European Council are to the fore in this regard. In 2019, those involved heartlessly voted down an EU resolution that would have compelled states to step up search-and-rescue operations relating to migrants in small boats in the Mediterranean. All four of Fine Gael's MEPs voted against the resolution, which was lost by two votes. This was a conscious decision to disregard the lives of those fleeing famine, war and persecution in search of a better life. It is both ironic and sickening to hear Fine Gael express its care and concern for refugees when it has a hand in the disasters owing to the vote.

Human trafficking and smuggling are often used as a scapegoat for voting down progressive resolutions such as the one in question. The result is a catastrophic loss of life and absolutely no reduction in trafficking. Therefore, it is fair to assume the EPP's aim in voting the way it did was not just to attempt to end trafficking but also to make it harder for migrants to reach our shores, regardless of the monumental risk involved. The party is playing to the base of its conservative voters, who have been whipped into a frenzy by scaremonger actors on the right.

Reports from survivors relayed to the International Organization for Migration indicate that at least 252 people died during alleged forced expulsions by European authorities, also known as pushbacks, since 2021. The EU and its member states must take urgent and concrete action to save lives and reduce deaths during migration journeys. States must uphold the right to life of all people by preventing further deaths and disappearances. This should include prioritising search and rescue on land and at sea, including the ending of the criminalisation of non-governmental actors providing humanitarian assistance to migrants in distress.

Ireland should be a leader when it comes to standing up for the most vulnerable across Europe. That is the only message I hope the Taoiseach carries as he sits down at the European Council this week.

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