Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Membership of the EU, opposed by the main party opposite, has transformed this country and we should elect MEPs who work to advance the Union, as opposed to those who continually seek to undermine it.

The fact the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly are functioning again is a great relief to anyone who wants to see progress in Northern Ireland. Following yesterday's North-South Ministerial Council, there is a full agenda before us and I am determined to push forward the work of the Shared Island initiative. For the first time in our history, our Government is making major long-term investment and deepening North-South understanding and economic and social development. As we have seen during the past week, evidence-based research and investment is needed more than ever and must be encouraged, not undermined.

Being Minister for Defence is a particular honour. At our toughest moments, Óglaigh na nÉireann stood against those who would have destroyed our democracy. Internationally, they have brought great honour to our country. At last year's consultative forum, the attempt to stop even a mild debate about the role of our Defence Forces and the security challenges facing our country was based on deliberate misrepresentations and an approach to our safety and security which amounts to people burying their heads in the sand. The report which emerged from the forum represents a very positive and constructive contribution. We have put in place a major investment programme to modernise our Defence Forces and will continue to implement a range of improvements to pay and supports for personnel.

The Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath, has pursued an approach with his colleague, the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, which is both ambitious and sustainable. Overall fiscal policy has delivered improvements in vital social supports while also making sure that the funding will be there to maintain these services. The Future Ireland fund, which is a major legislative item before the House in the coming weeks, represents a visionary effort to protect Ireland from inevitable economic cycles. Crucially, it ensures that once-off revenues will not be wasted and that we will have the investment necessary for transport, education, health and environmental infrastructure well into the future. While others talk about a just transition, we are actually providing a mechanism to deliver one. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has ensured a major increase in housing output in every aspect of housing provision. He has delivered a step change in the provision of new homes, which will continue to increase this year and permanently. In the face of loud opposition here, he has provided help to new buyers and begun a new era in social and affordable housing.

The Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, will continue to deliver our programme of investment and reform in Irish schools. It should be noted that by the time of the next election there will be over 8,000 more teachers and 6,000 more special needs assistants working in our schools than was the case five years ago. We can go on in terms of the historic introduction of free school books.

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