Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the three MEPs who I know are working very hard on our behalf. I agree with Mr. Kelly on the commitment shown by our MEPs on human rights in particular. I really dislike the title of the programme, Fit For 55. It sounds like a seniors exercise class at my local gym. If there was one change possible, I would ask for that.

Our MEPs work very effectively together at EU level particularly on certain issues as we have seen here. However, I want to raise the elephant in the room, which is the stance taken by certain of our MEPs. Their support for dictators and regimes that oppress human rights is deeply concerning. Particularly in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the decision of some Irish MEPs to effectively stand up for what has happened is deeply wrong. We in this Chamber have called it out. I ask those here as Members of the European Parliament to equally call out not only the Irish MEPs but also those right around the Continent who do so.