Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)

I am not misleading. We are happy to have a respectful debate. We do not necessarily agree with the Government, but that does not mean we cannot discuss issues and have differing opinions.

In the more than 50 years since Ireland joined what would eventually become the European Union, we have experienced rapid and welcome change. Membership of the EU has served as a catalyst for so much good in Ireland, advancing civil rights, economic growth and investment, environmental protection and social equality. I do not think anybody could doubt that. The shared values that formed the foundation of the European project are positive and constructive forces that have contributed a great deal to this country and the rest of the Continent, securing peace and improving the lives of millions. In recent years, however, the EU has drifted dangerously far from these values and continues to dilute the ideas that made it a vehicle for positive change at home and abroad.

The original vision for the EU as a community of sovereign nations working together for the benefit of all its people, promoting peace and prosperity is under threat from the rise of militarisation, racism, privatisation, corporate interests and individual greed. Where are the values of respect for human dignity and human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law when it comes to Palestine? Where are they when it comes to eradicating poverty and ensuring that we all have access to housing, healthcare and adequate employment? The EU defines one of its key aims as contributing to "peace, security, the sustainable development of the Earth" and the upholding of international law, but the actions of the EU and its member states paint a very different picture.

The European armaments industry is rapidly expanding to meet Europe’s demand for weapons and war. Rather than addressing social and economic crises in our communities, billions of euro are being funnelled into arms manufacturing, solely to the benefit of a small, wealthy elite who profit off the oppression and suffering of people in faraway countries. Europe is militarising at an alarming rate, readying itself for war and selling its weapons to the highest bidder, all while branding itself is a beacon of peace and human rights. Nowhere is this hypocrisy clearer than in respect of Palestine. Since 7 October, the EU, and particularly Germany and Italy, has exported hundreds of millions of euro in weapons and bombs to Israel in direct support of its genocide of the Palestinian people. Ursula von der Leyen has used her role in the European Commission to give Israel Europe’s unconditional support no matter how many crimes it commits in Gaza. The Irish Government has done nothing to challenge this and has allowed Ireland to be wrapped up tighter and tighter in the EU’s growing imperialist ambitions. At a time when we need less war and more peace, the Irish Government is actively working to undermine our neutrality and align us with the security apparatus in Brussels. Moves to scrap the triple lock and militarily integrate with Europe will do nothing to improve our security and will only put us at increased risk. If Ireland is truly invested in the European project, we need to stand up for its core values and against the rising tide of militarisation. We need a European Union that seeks peace, human rights and equality, not one that furthers war and subjugation.