Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are at a moment when we need to reflect on the lessons learned and the message sent by the recent local and European elections. Can we have a debate on the EU structure? We have seen how popular it is to oppose European Union domination. There is a very important distinction to be made between being anti-EU and EU domination. Senator Colm Burke has proposed on several occasions that this House have a dedicated role in the scrutiny of EU legislation and directives which affect people’s lives.

Deputy Luke "Ming" Flanagan was elected as a new Member of the European Parliament as a result of that agenda. I do not blame people for being upset when we have not acted to ensure adequate scrutiny of directives and legislation before it affects their lives.

The second lesson we need to learn and to discuss here, is that it is time to move from being pro-economy to pro-people. The narrative needs to change. A former colleague of mine, the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Donohoe, spoke all about the economy on "Prime Time" two nights ago. The people have taken it in the neck for the economy for the past six years. The economy must serve the people. It is a very important distinction. We all mean well but we must tweak it in the right direction. The Labour Party is paying the price this week. Fine Gael is too although it is muted.

We all want stable government. The Taoiseach needs to come into this Chamber to discuss and hear about the lessons learned from the local and European elections. I ask everybody in this House to grow up and forget about taking sides. I want stable government for this country, even though I may be physically on this side of the House. Let us be there for all of the people. We all have to learn.