Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

On Europe Day, we mark a bold vision, born from the ashes of war, of peace, co-operation and prosperity between nations that once stood divided. I am a proud pro-European. I believe in nations working together, not tearing each other down. Let that not be confused with blind obedience to Brussels. This Europe is not the dream we signed up to back in the seventies. We see consequences of remote policymaking every day across Europe. Ireland is bearing the brunt of a significant refugee crisis, spending approximately €1.9 billion last year on something that should be handled better by the EU. Communities are stretched beyond capacity and the Government seems to be more concerned with pleasing EU mandarins than protecting Irish services and Irish cohesion. This is not what co-operation looks like; this is capitulation. Europe needs reminding that member states are partners, not provinces. We must have the right to question, opt in and opt out. Ireland must be put first in agriculture, fisheries and when it comes to the Mercosur deal. As the Government raises its glass today to the European Union, we must keep that in mind.

See this speech in context