The European Presidency gives Ireland the opportunity to put the interests of the Irish people firmly on the EU's agenda. First, Irish unity should be front and centre of that agenda. The Presidency is an opportune time to advance structured discussions on preparing for a united Ireland within the EU. Second, the cost-of-living crisis demands an EU-wide response centred on energy and food affordability and security. Finally, this Presidency should be in support of peace and international law. It is within that context that I would like to raise the ongoing political situation in Cuba, which demands a strong humanitarian response both from Ireland and the EU. As the Chamber will be aware, Cuba has been suffering the result of 65 years of a US blockade and, of late, a complete sanction on the delivery of oil to Cuba. Schools and universities are closed as they cannot function without electricity. Food produced in the countryside is rotting in the ground because farmers do not have fuel to deliver it to the towns and cities. The urban people are suffering food deprivation. Hospitals cannot function due to lack of electricity either. The entire island is asphyxiated. There is no public transport. Sanitation is compromised, disease is everywhere and fresh water is hardly available. Their economy is completely compromised as most hotels are closed, causing even more unemployment and poverty. My heart breaks for the Cuban people when I see the reality of what is happening to them. I realise it is probably unique to raise it in the context of this, but I do think we have a unique voice here. The role that Ireland plays on an international level is an incredibly strong one and now we have this Presidency. We should use it to amplify our views and, indeed, amplify a moral voice within an increasingly difficult international context. We need to do everything that we can so there can be a free flow of fuel, medicines and essential supplies to the Cuban people.

Sentiment score: 0.06