Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach again on his election to that position. I wish him well. It is a super privilege for him and his family.

I refer to the legislation before the House today and the European Union's aid towards member states. The European Union was set up to create peace in European countries. In recent years, we have all questioned Europe's role in Ireland, and the role of the EU has been questioned in many European states. The EU putting these proposals in place across member states and offering all member states the opportunity to participate in them shows that our membership of the EU is valid and has a huge value. I am glad to see the EU coming together like this and offering these huge supports.

It is to be hoped the wage subsidy scheme will benefit from this type of support because I know small businesses throughout the country need to see it extended and they need to be able to get over this Covid-19 hump, whenever it finishes. It is so much harder to set up a business than it is to close a business, so I hope we are able to pass this legislation expeditiously. I am glad we are members of the EU and that the EU has come together to help us financially in this way.