Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Acting Chairman rang the bell. Lastly, I note that Europe's credibility is also being damaged internationally. When Europe is seen to have a militarised and securitised response, for example, to the migration crisis, it diminishes our capacity to step in with regard to the huge global movements of people in crisis, for example, in Myanmar or, in the past, in places such as India and Pakistan. We need to hold that role. I would love if the Minister of State could address that matter.

Another part of peace building is social investment. We know that from Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement. It is about giving people opportunities and hope. The fact is that in Europe the austerity measures of recent years have not just had an immediate impact but have also undermined the social fabric. There needs to be a willingness to admit and acknowledge that some of the economic policies put forward and the austerity measures imposed have weakened our social fabric. They have done the opposite of what we do when we want to build peace, which is invest. In many cases they have prohibited and blocked governments from investing in the areas which they identify as necessary for social cohesion and well-being. That needs to be addressed. While the social pillar produced by Mr. Juncker is a small step in the right direction, it is extremely unfortunate that he attached the language of the markets - calling on people to seek a AAA rating for society - given that it is those markets that have decimated society.

If we want to have public confidence and accountability restored and public faith in democracy, which is now more crucial than market sentiment for the genuine future of Europe, we will have to somewhat accept that quarterly returns and quarterly figures of the market are not the only indication-----