Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their constructive contributions to this debate on the European Union. The main benefit of Europe Day is that it gives people an opportunity to think about Europe and how important it is in our lives.

Senator van Turnhout suggested that on Saturday people might take the time to engage with friends and family and talk about the European union. Naturally, much of the time we talk about the Union, we think about the economic and regulatory requirements and difficulties it presents. However, since its inception and since Schuman made the moves to set it up many decades ago, the European Union has been a remarkable force for good for the people of Europe and Ireland. We have benefitted enormously from it, whether economically or, as Senator Leyden mentioned, through the changes that have come about here, particularly changes affecting women and how our society functions.

From time to time we need to take stock of what existed in Europe before the EEC or the European Union came to save a Continent that had settled its differences over hundreds of years through strife, war and violence. As Senator Noone said, the fundamental reason we have the European Union is that Europe required a peace process. It is for that reason there has been significant reference here today to the election that is taking place as we speak in the United Kingdom. The outcome of that election is important. Membership, involvement and engagement within the European Union of our close friends and colleagues in the United Kingdom are a matter of national importance to us. That is why the Government, with the support of the Opposition, has been very blunt and forthright in saying that we want and will encourage the United Kingdom, under whatever government comes about and whether or not there is a referendum, to remain an active member of the European Union. That is in our economic interest and in the interest of not only the European Union but of Europe. The United Kingdom will always be an important part of Europe and we believe it should remain a member and work within the European Union.

The crisis in the Mediterranean was highlighted in our debate this afternoon and Members are aware the Government has committed the services of the LE Eithneto assist in rescue operations there. We have also committed funding to the operation, targeted specifically at those refugees most affected. We are also playing a significant part in taking in refugees here.

I do not have specific figures to hand on youth unemployment and the direct effect of the Youth Guarantee, but I will forward them to the Senator. We are glad to see a significant reduction in youth unemployment. In any economic crisis, it is generally young people who are most affected and who are required to leave our shores due to their inability to find work. This is the reason we need new initiatives, such as TTIP, the ambitious Juncker package or other fiscal measures. We have seen these develop, though perhaps quite late in the process. However, under the new Commission and under the new presidency of the Central Bank, we now see a European Union that is functioning well and is starting to tackle many of the social and economic issues.

This is an opportunity for us to consider the position and to encourage and demand of Europe that it be ambitious for our people. We are ambitious for Europe, but we have also seen and will continue to see great benefits here. Given our population, Ireland has always played a disproportionately significant and strong and active role as a member of the European Union. I compliment the bipartisan approach seen here, particularly in the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. While there is much that divides us politically, by and large Ireland's membership and strong support of the Union unites us politically. Long may that continue.