I am glad the Minister of State mentioned the Schuman Declaration from more than 70 years ago. I always feel like Jean Monnet always gets hard done by. It was the diplomat who did most of the work but the politician got his name on it. The EU is unique. It is the longest lasting confederation of states probably in the history of the world. Is it perfect? No. Is it the best we have got in the world we have? Yes. The European Movement study published this week showed that 82% of Irish people believe being in Europe is where we should be, as do I. We should be at the heart of it. On Saturday, as we mark Europe Day, we celebrate not just a union of countries, but a shared vision that is based on co-operation, peace and opportunity. For Ireland, membership of the EU has been nothing short of transformative. It has shaped our economy, strengthened our voice in the world and helped to define the kind of country we are today. When Ireland joined the European project in 1973, we were a very different nation. We were economically limited and we depended heavily on a small number of trading partners. Membership opened doors. It connected us to the Single Market, one of the greatest achievements of the European Union and something that needs to be finished. Through it, Irish businesses can trade freely across Europe without tariffs or barriers, giving companies access to hundreds of millions of consumers. For a country of our size, that access has been vital, driving growth, creating jobs and helping to transform Ireland into one of the most open and successful economies in the world. That is more important than ever now, given Trump's tariffs. Perhaps even more importantly, the European Union has amplified Ireland’s voice in the world as a small nation. At the European table, Ireland helps to shape decisions on climate action, digital innovation, workers’ rights and global trade. We are not just participants; we are contributors to our collective future. The value of that solidarity became especially clear during Brexit. I thank the Minister of State for mentioning that. When the United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union, Ireland faced unique challenges, politically, socially and economically yet through that process EU member states stood shoulder to shoulder with us. It recognised the importance of peace on this island, that we needed not to have a hard border on the island, and it safeguarded the economy in the long term. That unity ensured that Ireland's concerns were not sidelined, but prioritised. In a moment of uncertainty, EU membership provided stability, support, and strength. We reject that very British concept of euroscepticism. I said it last year and I stand by it. For young people in Ireland, EU membership means opportunity. The freedom to live, study, and work abroad has broadened horizons of both young people and the country, and created connections that span cultures and countries. It has made Europe not just a place on a map, but a shared home. Of course, membership is not without its challenges. Being part of a union requires compromise, responsibility, and engagement. The institutions of Europe need fundamental reform. I think the Minister of State would agree with me on that. It is through working together that we enhance our sovereignty and Europe's by deepening the pool together. As we look to the future, the importance of Ireland's place in Europe remains clear. In a world of uncertainty, co-operation matters more than ever. The European Union gives us a platform to face challenges collectively, whether climate change, economic stability, or global security. Europe Day is a reminder that unity is not about losing identity, but is about strengthening it through partnership. Ireland's story within Europe shows what is possible when countries choose collaboration over isolation. On Saturday, we celebrate not just what Europe has given us, but what we contribute in return, our ideas, our values, and our commitment to a shared future.

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