Tosóidh mé le rá go n-aontaím leis an Aire Stáit gur rud an-dearfach agus gur ábhar dóchais é go mbeidh an Ghaeilge in úsáid mar theanga oifigiúil le linn na hUachtaránachta. Tá sé sách tábhachtach go mbeadh an Ghaeilge feiceálach agus in úsáid anseo, sna hinstitiúidí Eorpacha agus in imeachtaí na hUachtaránachta. These statements on Europe are an opportunity to reflect on what the EU was intended to be, its purpose, our place in it, what it is not intended to be and where it is failing. There is no doubt in my mind that Ireland's place is in the EU and that there have been benefits, but there is considerable scope for criticism as well in terms of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and a wide variety of other issues. The Presidency is an important opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate leadership and to identify some of the items of most particular concern to Ireland and Ireland's interests, but also to redress what I think is a serious deficit on the values side as well. I will return to that. In relation to our own interests and priorities, I will raise two items that maybe have not got as much attention. In my opinion, there is an opportunity, or there should be an opportunity, in the context of the EU Presidency in terms of Irish unity. I say that in the context of a thoughtful, considered approach to that. Previous Irish Governments, under the former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, ensured that were the North to reunify with the South, it would access the European Union without any particular constraint. That was something we welcomed at the time and something Sinn Féin and others lobbied for at the time. It was an important step. Clearly, that will be an important part of the constitutional debate at that moment in time. It is my view that it is reckless and short-sighted of the Government not to plan and prepare for Irish unity. No one says that this needs to be rash or rushed, but if we fail to do anything at all, that is the reckless and the thoughtless approach. I think there is scope to have some discussions with other member states about the role the EU can play. I think it will play potentially a crucial role in the event of Irish unity, and we should be thoughtful of that and consider it. There are other items we need to discuss, but this should be part of the debate. The other issue is the whole area of competitiveness. It is true that we need to ensure competitiveness. In my view, from an Irish point of view, we need to ensure that our reliance on energy from other sources, in terms of fossil fuels, is reduced, that we build up our renewables capacity and that we invest in infrastructure and a whole lot of other areas. Too often, the competitiveness agenda becomes a proxy for deregulation and undermining workers' rights. I am particularly concerned, as is the trade union movement, about the Irish Commissioner, Michael McGrath's file and the proposal for a single unified legal entity for companies across the EU. There is a danger that this will allow companies to sidestep Irish labour law. I encourage the Minister of State and the Government to be watchful for that. There are also areas in which we are falling short of EU norms. Collective bargaining is a particular example. That is also something that needs to be addressed. I will return to the issue of values. If any area has shown up the flaws and hypocrisies of the EU at times over the last number of years, it is the area of values. I refer particularly to Gaza and Palestine and the unconditional and unqualified support for Israel from Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas on behalf of the EU at a pivotal point. That gave political cover for the genocidal destruction that subsequently unfolded. In addition, the EU leaders' muted and almost non-existent response to people from the Global Sumud Flotilla being effectively abducted on the high seas and in international waters, completely contrary to any international law, is completely unacceptable. This should be a priority for the Irish Government. Ireland needs to speak up for international law not only in this region, but in general. The Minister of State might comment on the issue of Israel breaking sanctions against Russia in relation to stolen Ukrainian grain. It is important that the EU make a clear statement against that. Along with its occupation of south Lebanon and its genocidal policies in Gaza, these breaches of sanctions against Russia need to form part of the case for suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement.

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