Today we mark Europe Day 2026. It is a chance to reflect on how far Europe has come and what Europe stands for, namely, peace, working together, democracy and opportunity. For Ireland, being part of the European Union has made a real difference. It has helped grow our economy. It has supported our communities and has backed our farmers. We have seen that clearly in County Laois and across the midlands. I know people at home will often say that Europe can be heavy on rules and that there is too much red tape at times, and, yes, some of this criticism is very fair. However, taken as a whole, Ireland's membership of the European Union has been overwhelmingly positive. Ireland makes a significant net contribution to the EU budget. That is a fact but we do get strong investment and real value in return in our communities, infrastructure and economy. From farming to small businesses and from roads and infrastructure to education, Europe has brought real benefits to areas that were once left behind. As we prepare for Ireland's Presidency of the European Union, we have a real opportunity. We must make sure that regional Ireland, including the midlands, is front and centre. Ireland's Presidency cannot just be about meetings in Brussels. It has to be about delivering to our towns, businesses and farming families. For a county like Laois, I see three clear priorities, namely, enterprise, industry and agriculture. Regarding enterprise, the midlands has huge potential. We have good connections, a strong workforce and a real sense of enterprise. We should use our Presidency to push for better support for all small businesses, easier access to finance and more investment outside the big cities. The midlands can lead the way in balanced regional development. The second priority is industry. The move to a low-carbon economy has to be fair. The midlands has already gone through major change. New jobs and investments must come to towns and rural areas and not just cities. We need the support for infrastructure, energy, training and new industries. There is great potential for the midlands in renewable energy, manufacturing and logistics. We need proper backing to make all this happen. The third priority must be agriculture. Farming shows the value of Europe to Ireland. The CAP has supported rural communities for years, but farmers are under real pressure now. As President of the EU, Ireland must stand up for food producers. We need practical, working policies that support farm incomes and recognise the laws that farmers are already using. Farmers in Laois want to play their part on climate and sustainability but they need fairness and certainty. Europe Day is about people. It is about giving the next generation in counties like Laois the chance to live, work and raise a family in their own communities. Ireland's Presidency is a chance to make the case that regional Ireland and rural communities matter and that places like Laois and the midlands must be at the heart of Europe's future.

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