Speeches

Madam President, congratulations to the President of the Commission on a very fine speech: one hour in duration during which she didn’t drop a note, so to speak. I think it is only right that you should refer to COVID—19 and the successful vaccine deployment in the EU, the need to be prepared for future pandemics, and the EU’s help to third countries. I was also encouraged to hear your words on digitalisation, semiconductors and the carbon-neutral economy. I noticed you never mentioned the ‘B’ word – Brexit: perhaps an intelligent omission, and a message in itself. But as the only Irish MEP speaking in this debate, I would like to take this opportunity to praise the steady, practical and mature approach taken by you, by the Commission, and especially the diligent and ongoing work of Vice—President Šefčovič, negotiating and finalising our future relationship with the UK. The EU must create mechanisms to engage with civil society and political structures in Northern Ireland to ensure that the protocol works, and I know we’ll have your full support for that, Madam President. When appropriate, I intend to lead a trade delegation of MEPs to Northern Ireland to hear the views of those on the ground, those who are actually affected. We have a responsibility to listen and to try to solve the problems, and we must not take this responsibility lightly. Finally, a pet theme of mine: daylight savings. President Juncker tried to end this outmoded practice – perhaps you could finalise that.

Mr President, I would like to open my remarks by thanking the rapporteur, Pascal Arimont, for the diligent and more importantly balanced and fair approach to this very important file. The objective of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) is of course to provide financial support to the most affected Member States, regions and sectors to deal with the adverse consequences of Brexit. It will also help communities and businesses cope with the increased costs of trade and lost income as a result of the United Kingdom’s departure from the single market. Ireland is the most impacted Member State by Brexit and rightly is the largest beneficiary owing to the sense of fairness with which the fund has been managed. Brexit is about barriers and borders, and this is plain to see. As we continue down a strained path with our friends on the other side of the Irish Sea, it is important that we show solidarity with those most affected and to mitigate the economic consequences of Brexit. Solidarity is at the very core of this fund, as Pascal pointed out, and it is also satisfying that payments can begin imminently. BAR is the star of Brexit.

Mr President, I thank the Commissioner for her fine speech. While the Blue Card Directive does not unfortunately apply in my home country of Ireland, I’m nevertheless glad to have an opportunity to join the discussion on this proposal and on how we can make the EU a more attractive destination for highly-skilled third-country nationals. In order to reaffirm and implement our commitment to a green and digital future, we are investing in educating children and upskilling adults in these areas to ensure that we have a competitive workforce. Attracting third-country nationals who are highly-skilled in ICT and other areas, as the Commissioner pointed out, in which we currently have a skills gap, will complement our efforts. This proposal marks a positive step forward in making the Blue Card scheme more attractive for a number of reasons. An important one is that the criteria for admission and the procedures to follow have been clarified and therefore made much more user-friendly. This makes it easier for third—country nationals to learn about the scheme and for EU employers to recruit through it. The EU’s ageing population poses a risk that skill shortages will increase in the future. Let’s act now and ensure that the EU retains its top class workforce so that the EU remains competitive as a great location for talented and ambitious people, male and female, to find exciting and rewarding careers in a continent devoid of warfare and perpetual danger, and richer in diversity than any area in the world.

Mr President, with the ‘Fit for 55’ package, we now stand over the largest single batch of legislation to tackle climate change proposed by any government anywhere. After years of discussing climate change as a problem for the future, it has now slowly crept upon us with increases in devastating wildfires, floods and storms, as well as severe consequences to the natural world and the flora and fauna it houses. I firmly believe that an orderly transition across the energy sector is pivotal for the cohesiveness of the EU, especially in the medium term. This includes ensuring the security of fuel and electricity supplies, minimising stranded assets and making sure ambition is married with practicality and sustainable economic viability. This will require an innovation-centric approach, promoting and developing and, most importantly, investing in the technologies that bring us closer towards a decarbonised economy. The creation of a more circular economy will reduce pressure on natural resources and would create sustainable growth and jobs. As rapporteur for the Implementation Report on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, it has been made abundantly clear to me that reaching our climate targets without decarbonising our living and working spaces is frankly impossible. Buildings are responsible for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of the energy consumption in the EU. We cannot reach our targets without tackling this as well.

Mr President, Ireland being an island, is very dependent on, and indeed grateful to, our two main airlines – Ryanair and Aer Lingus. Indeed, as is the case across the EU, many jobs and livelihoods depend on them. Therefore, the drop in air traffic by over 66% which we’ve experienced since the start of the pandemic must be met with a comprehensive action plan to help the aviation industry soar back into the skies once again. In light of these challenges, I welcome that the Commission has put forward a number of emergency measures, such as rolling out the digital green certificate, decreasing slot usage thresholds for airlines and providing guidelines on COVID—19 testing and quarantine for air passengers. The EU is listening to industry voices who are asking for greater understanding and support. Moving forward from COVID—19, it is important to remember that we can take positive steps to encourage investment in the green transition. We can increase the long—term resilience of the aviation industry by making firm level of support decisions contingent on environmental improvements. This will allow the EU to address the issue of sustainability along the whole aviation value chain, including among aircraft manufacturers and airports. The digital COVID certificate is a welcome first step for the aviation industry, in what I hope will be a package of measures to continue to facilitate the exercise of free movement for all our citizens across the European Union. The aviation industry can emerge, and must emerge, from the pandemic both cleaner, greener and stronger.

Mr President, animal welfare can often be overlooked, but I am pleased to say that this is not the case in the European Parliament. Last month, we passed a resolution calling for a ban on the use of cages in animal agriculture by 2027. This was in response to ‘End the cage age’, a European Citizens’ Initiative. Some 1.4 million citizens signed it and we responded in kind. For nearly 30 years, the EU has been committed to reducing the use of and improving the welfare of animals in science. Since 2009, the marketing of any cosmetic products containing animal-tested ingredients have been banned in the EU. Considering that Europe’s cosmetic products market is the biggest in the world, it’s clear that this was a significant step in the promotion of animal welfare. The 2010 EU directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes promotes the three Rs: (1) replacing animal experiments wherever possible; (2) reducing the number of animals used and (3) refining experiments to minimise the impact on animals. This directive also notes that the final goal is full replacement for procedures on live animals for scientific and educational purposes as soon as it is scientifically possible to do so. While the progress made on the three Rs is most welcome, unfortunately, we are not yet close to reaching the final goal and the number of animals being used in research, regulatory testing and education remains high. Thankfully, new developments have been made, the advancement in animal models and these are very relevant because they are human-relevant and therefore present an opportunity for more accurate data. A comprehensive approach will accelerate the transition away from animal testing.

Mr President, when Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy paper, Apple Daily, was forced to announce its closure, a chilling message was sent to the people regarding the freedom of expression, as well as a blow to media freedom in the city. Let us not forget the valuable role played by the media. Freedom of the press is vital for informing citizens about public affairs and monitoring the actions of governments at all levels. Yes, we all may get frustrated by the opinions and actions of some journalists at times, but as a whole, they’re a necessity for a free and just society, and they should be protected. I would therefore like to join the calls for the Hong Kong authorities to release all detained journalists, as well as all peaceful protesters, activists and political representatives, the charges against whom appear to be purely political. Several months ago, we spoke in this Chamber about the unilateral introduction of national security legislation by the government in Beijing and what that would mean for the city of Hong Kong’s autonomy, rule of law and the integrity of one country, two systems. Unfortunately, since then we’ve continued to see a deterioration in the situation of human rights in Hong Kong. The strict application of the national security legislation, the erosion of rights and the increased crackdown on any dissent prevents a relationship of trust between China and the EU, undermines future cooperation and leads to further erosion of Beijing’s credibility on the international stage. I would also like to take this opportunity to once again mention the case of Richard O'Halloran, whose case has been spearheaded here by my colleague Barry Andrews. Richard is an Irish citizen and father of four from Dublin, who has been refused permission to exit China since March 2019. I sincerely hope that there can be a resolution to this case as soon as possible. We stand with Hong Kong.

The death penalty is imposed on more people per capita in Iran than in any other country in the world. This is true and the truth is very true. Doctor Djalali, who is from Sweden and Iran, is currently in prison until his execution – although he did not have a fair trial and there is evidence that he was tortured to acknowledgment. I urge the Iranian authorities to abolish the death penalty, release the Djalali Doctrine, and stop the death threats they are making towards his family. Last December, we called here in Parliament on the Iranian authorities to release Sakharov Prize laureate Nasrin Sotoudeh from prison. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved so far. It is time for Iran to find a positive and fair solution through the doctor’s case – freeing him and Nasrin. Let Djalali soar. Let Djalali be free.

Mr President, ponder this: Poland and Hungary are the biggest beneficiaries of European funding. In 2018, Poland paid in EUR 3.98 billion and, in return, received EUR 16.35 billion, four times more than they paid in. Hungary paid in EUR 1.076 billion and received six times more than that, EUR 6.298 billion. At least the Portuguese Presidency moved forward on the Article 7 suspension procedure by organising hearings on Hungary and Poland. It is my hope that this will provide a sufficient basis to stop the rule of law backsliding in these and, potentially, other Member States. Without respect for the rule of law, we cannot have a fair and just society. With regard to Poland, we see major issues with the Constitutional Tribunal, the disciplinary regime against judges and a muzzle law against judges who criticise the Government’s judicial overhaul and the dismissal of judges. In bullyboy Viktor Orbán’s Hungary, attacks against LGBTI people, judges, journalists, academics and activists have increased since the beginning of the pandemic. Hungary’s new law will have devastating effects. It means that vulnerable young people will be deprived of important support. It is essential that young people especially be ensured access to comprehensive sexuality and relationship education, which is non—judgmental and objective. The adopted law is a direct contradiction of the values and respect for human dignity on which the Union is founded. There are conditionality clauses in relation to European funding. We should use them.