Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately, the EU was found wanting when it came to the recent horrific events in Israel and Gaza. It is also found wanting when it comes to the ongoing Palestinian question. The actions of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October have been well analysed at this stage. She initially expressed her unambiguous support for Israel by visiting the country and in a number of other symbolic ways, while making no reference to the need to adhere to international law regarding the humanitarian catastrophe that was unfolding in Gaza. Thankfully, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security policy, Josep Borrell, issued a more comprehensive and balanced response soon afterwards. This was further clarified by EU foreign affairs ministers in their council meeting and also at the European Council meeting. However, the initial response was, at best, disjointed and confused. It damaged the credibility of the EU. Lessons need to be learned from this.

As I said here last week, for various historical, political and economic reasons, the EU 27 is divided when it comes to Israel and Palestine generally. It is probable that not much can be done about this. However, the EU and the international community, including the USA and the UK and a number of Arab states have a clear responsibility not to turn a blind eye to this ongoing conflict. They need to work to bring about a just and lasting peace settlement based on a two-state solution. With other like-minded EU states, Ireland has been to the forefront in endeavouring to build a consensus on the need to bring about a change in direction and policy in this regard. It must continue relentlessly to try to achieve this.

Gaza is now in the middle of a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel must stop the aerial bombardment of civilians and Hamas must release all hostages. The calls for permanent ceasefire by the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, should be heeded by all sides. A temporary humanitarian pause as proposed by EU foreign ministers this week would be welcome, but it is not enough. As we know, the European Council meets this week and hopefully it will be able to deal with these issues in a more effective way. In addition, diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflict in the region must continue with Arab states playing a key role. I refer particularly to the role of Iran, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, in this regard.

The eruption of a new wave of violence in the Middle East has diverted attention away from Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, which still needs the wholehearted support of the EU. This war can be seen as a battle for the survival of European democracy itself. Appeasement did not work in the case of Crimea and will certainly not work now. If Putin is successful in Ukraine, where will it all end? Surely the international community, the US and the EU are capable of focusing on two major global conflicts at the same time. I welcome the lengthy contribution on this matter by the Taoiseach earlier in this debate.

I commend the European Parliament on its decision to award the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2023 to Ms Mahsa Amini and to the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. Ms Amini fought for freedom, and equality and democracy. These women are entitled to our full support in their heroic campaign for the rights of women in Iran.

I also want to welcome the success of the opposition parties in the recent general election in Poland led by our old friend and former European Council President, Mr. Donald Tusk. I guess I am not being diplomatic but as we know, there have been rule of law issues in Poland. The results are a clear sign that Poland wants to be at the heart of Europe and to be a liberal democratic state. This change in direction is to be welcomed.

The issue of migration continues to be a major challenge for the EU. It is clear that there are still disagreements among the EU member states as to how to tackle the problem. It is to be hoped that there will be final agreement on the proposed migration and asylum pact before the current legislative period ends next April. I refer to agreement at the European Council, by the European Commission and in the European Parliament.

The EU now intends to examine the question of enlargement in a determined way. Consideration is now being given to expanding the EU from 27 members to 35 or more. These prospective members include countries in the western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. There is no doubt that this is challenging. As a general principle, Ireland supports enlargement. Membership has been very beneficial for us. The decision-making capacity of the EU will have to be examined in this context, as well as the future of the multi-annual financial framework, MFF, and Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, reform among other things. As the Minister of State is aware, at a recent meeting, members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs expressed their alarm at the consideration given to an independent Franco-German expert group on this subject at a meeting of the General Affairs Council. They were particularly worried about the recommendations made for institutional reform. We will need to be on top of this matter. It is a subject that deserves our full attention in the coming months and years.

As we know, there have been tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. There has been a flare-up of trouble, so to speak. There is a need for negotiation and dialogue to de-escalate the situation. I understand that the Minister of State is going to deal with that particular subject in his final remarks.

I note that we are celebrating Ireland's 50 years of membership of the EU.

I welcome the recent release by the Central Statistics Office of statistics on EU membership. Those statistics relate to life expectancy, incomes per head, the number of people at work and so on. While not all the improvements in these areas are fully attributable to membership of the EU, it again shows that EU membership has been transformative and highly beneficial for us. I thank the Central Statistics Office for releasing its statistics in that regard and for getting involved in the commemoration of our membership.

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