The European Union has contributed incredibly positively to Ireland in many ways. Of course, there was the significant investment by Europe through structural funds and support for the peace process, especially through PEACEPLUS funding, which remains vital. The European Union also stood with Ireland throughout Brexit. I put it to the Minister of State that a united Ireland should be high on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael's agenda during the EU Presidency. It is right that we acknowledge the work the European Union does and the benefits of our membership but, to some in this House, it seems that any criticism of EU policy amounts to an attack on the concept of our ongoing membership, which is utter nonsense. It seems that we must treat the EU as unique among political organisations and above reproach or critique. It is actually Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that do the EU a disservice in behaving in this way. Ordinary people will naturally think that there are things the EU does well but also things that it does badly. Failing to acknowledge that contributes to the perception that the Irish Government's attitude to the EU is that you simply do as you are told. Being a real friend and partner means being willing to have difficult conversations, when appropriate. It means standing apart when faced with repugnant behaviour that you simply cannot stand behind. While some in this House today will speak about the EU's contribution to human rights and the rule of law, the fact of the matter is that across great parts of the world the EU has lost all credibility due to its ongoing refusal to sanction Israel for its blatant war crimes and genocide. I acknowledge that the Minister of State's Government joined cause with others in seeking the suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement but it supported Mrs. von der Leyen's reappointment and now laments that her Commission takes no action and blames it for preventing it from fulfilling its commitment on the occupied territories Bill. I caution the Minister of State that it is his Government that undermines the credibility not only of the EU here in Ireland, but of our own political institutions.

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