Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today, in marking Europe Day, I want to talk positively because I have seen the changes in my lifetime. The reasons for the European Union’s coming into being were obviously the worst things that ever happened. Just over 80 years ago, Europe was devastated by the horrors of the Second World War. All around many of our rooms, we have the books, films and documentaries, but ultimately, because we never experienced the war, we will never truly understand it. The people who came together to bring Europe together, which is ultimately why we are celebrating, did experience it. As we remove ourselves from it, we risk not understanding anymore the complete devastation that can happen, especially on our Continent. Previous speakers have spoken about the impact of conflicts in other parts of the world, including in places not too far from us, but the reality of living through a conflict is something that brought France and Germany together. Nations were torn apart, 60 million people lay dead, and the Continent was in ruins all over. In fairness, Ireland got through it to a degree but at the same time it did see the devastation up close. Out of the ruins came a bold and visionary idea. Only through unity, mutual respect and shared prosperity could Europe come together and ensure war would never happen again. From the 1860s right through to the First World War, and obviously into the Second World War, there was ongoing conflict between France and Germany. The Schuman Declaration of 1950 is probably the very reason not only that we are here in this way but also, and more important, that the European Union is together in the way it is.

Ireland did not join the EEC initially but when it did it transformed it. I have seen the benefits throughout my generation, but people began to see them in previous generations, including in the early 1970s. When I was in school, we used to call Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain “the PIGS”. Ireland is no longer such a country, and this has been attributable to much of the investment and work done by the EU. Ultimately, we should never forget the impact on our economy of our being part of Europe, and that is why I want to speak positively. We can see the benefits of EU membership through economics but also through shared culture. The way we share our culture is something we need to recognise on a positive day.

This being Europe Day, let us reaffirm our dedication to a Europe that stands for peace, democracy and solidarity, not just with words but also with action. Ireland has played its part and will continue to play its part constructively, proudly and with purpose. I, as a newly elected TD, having been elected a few months ago, am delighted to be able to stand here on Europe Day and recognise how Europe has made its contribution to Ireland and, indeed, how Ireland has made its contribution to Europe.

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