Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State's strong commitment to the European Union. In this time of global turbulence, it is more important than ever that we talk about why the European Union is in place. It is the world's greatest peace and prosperity project. It is not perfect and there are lots of reasons we can criticise the European Union, but if we think about what the EU has achieved, not just for Ireland but also for this Continent and the world, it is more important than ever that we start talking about European values regarding human rights, the rule of law and respect for democracy. This needs to be applied both inside the European Union and when we talk about it globally. In particular, I reference the ongoing concern, which I know the Minister of State has expressed, about what has been happening with the repression of rights in Hungary, particularly with regard to LGBT rights. We need to communicate effectively, both internally within the Union and more widely, why those values are so important, especially given this Continent's history.

In that regard, I was very happy to hear the Taoiseach again emphasise Ireland's and the European Union's support for and solidarity with Ukraine and the work being carried out by President Zelenskyy. Day after day, we see the continued bombing and destruction of infrastructure. We have seen children abducted from Ukraine and taken into Russia and Belarus. I am glad it remains on the European agenda but I am concerned it does not get discussed as often as it should on the political agenda here. We have war in Europe and we have had only one opportunity for statements on the issue within this House. Within the media, with the honourable exception of the Irish Independent, coverage of Ukraine has often dropped off the agenda. As Deputy Bacik mentioned, Russia is engaging in hybrid warfare against the Ukrainian state and this is not being taken sufficiently seriously. We see soft interviews on "Morning Ireland" regarding issues relating to Russia. Ukraine is not getting the level of attention it deserves. I encourage the Minister of State, as I know he has been doing, to continue to keep this at the heart of the European agenda.

I also want to raise the forthcoming EU-China summit. The Minister of State might indicate in his response who will be representing Ireland at that summit. I welcome Ursula von der Leyen questioning China's continued support of Russia in its war on Ukraine. That has to be central to any engagement between the EU and China. While we do want to do business with China, and I have huge respect for China and the Chinese people, its continued sabre-rattling against Taiwan, its oppression of minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet and what has been going on Hong Kong are not acceptable. I ask for this to be a priority at the forthcoming summit.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth's, indication that we will have a major AI summit next year. Before our AI committee yesterday, I was glad to hear her officials confirm they will be working towards an AI summit. I would like artificial intelligence to be a key aspect of the Ireland's EU Presidency agenda.

The Taoiseach mentioned the competitiveness agenda and I know the Minister of State is very committed to it as well. It remains crucial. We have to keep a focus on what was raised within the Draghi report. It is essential we move on the development of a capital markets union. I hope the Minister of State, in his response, will be able to address those issues.

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