Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House for this very important debate in that it is a recognition of our maturity within the EU, a celebration of its success and a level of reflection on the future. It is a worthwhile exercise in that regard.

The sad backdrop to this debate is that we have war in Europe. That is outside of the control of the EU, but it is a tragedy. We must remain responsive to the displaced persons and, later, supportive of the reconstruction of Ukraine. We must respond to the economic impact of the war and be uncompromising in our sanctions and condemnation of it. It is an unfortunate backdrop to what has been the greatest peace project in the history of the world, namely, the European Union.

It is also an unfortunate backdrop to this debate that we have the Brexit question still looming. The point made by Senator Chambers in regard to European solidarity with us on that is well made. It is a tribute to our diplomatic service, the Irish Government and to all of us who in our own individual ways have managed to secure the solidarity of Europe with us on the Brexit question. That needs to hold up. It is a pity we still have the protocol issue. On this auspicious occasion, my message to the Minister of State is that we have to hold the line on the international agreement dimension but we should exercise every imaginable flexibility to get the protocol operational and, as a consequence, get the Assembly in Northern Ireland operational. I think I am pushing an open door in that regard, but, perhaps, when he is concluding the debate the Minister of State would reference where we stand on the protocol.

I am in an extraordinarily strong position to speak on this matter. I am happy to admit publicly - this might be apparent - that the very early years of my life were in a pre-EU Ireland and all of my adult life has been in a post-EU Ireland. As I said, I am in very good position to speak about this. It has been transformative for Ireland. To paraphrase the Minister of State, it has been totally transformative. In terms of the social reform that has arisen from the EU, women's rights have been advanced beyond recognition. We are talking of two different planets and two different times in terms of equality, gender equality, equal pay for equal work, the right to equal work, the right to quality employment and the barbaric strangulation of women in regard to issues such as jury service and bizarre antiquated legislation. All of that went by the wayside. Women's rights were propelled in this country by virtue of the EU. That in itself is enormous. It alone would justify our continued 88% loyalty to the EU.

It has been transformative in terms of infrastructure around this country on our roadways, canals and buildings and the many peace projects around the country by way of the provision of the money for the peace process and rural development. One has only to drive around Ireland to see the many developments that have been funded by the EU. They have enhanced our country greatly. That funding was provided by the EU through many bodies. I acknowledge that we have become a net contributor.We are now a net contributor by virtue of the success of the funding exercises.

CAP has been extraordinarily transformative for the county from which I come, namely, Cavan. It has given farmers support and got them a proper price for their produce. There is still work to be done in that regard – there always is – but CAP has created a European market of 500 million people for our produce. It has delivered decent pricing, support and regulation.

Social policies, rural development policies, social cohesion exercises and CAP have been very important. As a consequence of our economic success thanks to Europe, we are now the technology capital of the world, with companies like Google and Facebook headquartering here. This is extraordinary. The Minister of State mentioned the important Erasmus+ programme. I occasionally have the privilege of meeting some of its participants informally when I attend Council of Europe events in Strasbourg. How much they enjoy it is wonderful to see. Importantly, European values are permeating our country. We are a wonderful catalyst or agent for the rule of law, democracy and the rights of human beings because we insist on those in accession treaties with new countries.

We could discuss this subject for a long time, but I have to conclude. I would like the Minister of State to speak about the accession of Ukraine and Georgia, which should be accelerated in every way possible. He might also reference the military question and the fact that there is no military obligation on Ireland. It is the wish of the people that there not be.

This is a wonderful day. We are celebrating something that has changed people's lives, which is something that I know that from both sides.