Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim céad mile fáilte roimh an Aire. Is díospóireacht an-shuimiúil ar fad í seo. Ar shlí, is díospóireacht stairiúil í chomh maith mar cruthaíonn sé an stádas atá bainnte amach ag ár dtír san Eoraip. Tá sé sin thar a bheith tábhachtach mar tugann sé sin cumhacht dúinn chomh maith.

I welcome the Minister of State and compliment her on the very fine role she is playing in Europe. She is doing an exceptionally effective job for us and I wish her well. Any Irish person who has any sense of pride in us as a people must feel pride when we hold the Presidency. Each time we have held the Presidency, we have delivered on our obligations very effectively and with great panache.

On that point, and without elaborating on the bigger European policies, I believe the Presidency presents an exceptionally good PR opportunity, considering all the various representatives coming from Europe in respect of all the various aspects of European activity. It is beneficial for them to see this good, developed country. We have had an opportunity to lay claim to being one of the most civilised countries, in terms of antiquity, in Europe. Some may regard this as a small country on the periphery of Europe but historically we have always been a part of Europe. This is not lost, not only on academics but also on those who take an interest in where we have come from. Therefore, there is a PR opportunity. We are availing of it exceptionally well. All the foreign representatives, on leaving Ireland, will see that we are a country that is playing a role.

Europe has been good for Ireland but Ireland has also been good for Europe, particularly during the recent turbulence and in the face of the challenges we are encountering. In time to come, many people, not only economists, will say the manner in which we have responded to the required austerity measures will have helped stabilise the euro. That can only help us.

In times of recession, the human condition does not always respond negatively as it often responds positively. When we talk about the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, we do so in light of the difficulties faced by America, in addition to those faced by Europe. In times such as these, one pools one's resources, potential and vision. This is vital.

The main message that will have to come not only from the European Presidency but also from the Union as a whole will concern how the individual is being helped. There are two aspects of the Minister of State's address of which I took particular cognisance. Her address was a very fine all-embracing one and it was exceptionally well crafted. We have always been well represented in Europe, both by political leaders and officials. The two areas on which we need to focus, which are not really the major issues but important nevertheless, are youth unemployment and world hunger. If we do not succeed in helping young people, they will become an adult generation instilled with a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. This will have an impact on their countries.

Consider the subject of world hunger. During the time of the Great Famine in Ireland, an Indian tribe called the Choctaw decided to send money to help. One can imagine how deprived it was at the time. When we were commemorating the famine, representatives of that tribe visited Mayo. The tribe's compassion and help are remembered to this day. If Europe helps those who are deprived in the world at present in the same way, which is difficult, it will be remembered. It is not just a question of thinking about Europe's challenges. Very often, one can offset terrorism and violence by showing future leaders and relevant countries that we are civilised, want to help them and want to be in partnership with them. I hope the Minister of State can make progress in those two areas.