I will start with a comparison. There is perhaps no clearer illustration of the value of European membership than the experience of our nearest neighbour, as mentioned by the Taoiseach in a different speech yesterday. A decade has passed since Brexit. Of course, that decision was for the British people, and we respect their democratic choice. It is equally important, however, to recognise the lessons that have been learned. The warnings of economic disruption, barriers to trade and increased costs were dismissed by some during that campaign. Today, however, many of those concerns have become a reality. Businesses face additional burdens and trade has become more complex. Some British SMEs no longer export to the EU. Investment has been affected and opinion polling suggests that the British public consider it to have been the wrong decision. By contrast, Ireland has chosen a different path. We remain fully committed to our place at the heart of Europe. We worked constructively with our European partners through the challenges of Brexit. Together, we protected the Good Friday Agreement, safeguarded the integrity of the Single Market and defended Ireland's national interests. Our economy has continued to grow and employment has reached record levels. Ireland remains one of Europe's leading destinations for international investment. Our exporters continue to enjoy frictionless access to the Single Market, which comprises hundreds of millions of consumers. Rather than being diminished by standing apart, our voice carries greater weight because it is amplified through co-operation in the EU. That is vital in a multipolar world. This is not about celebrating another country's difficulties or reopening old debates. The UK is one of Ireland's closest friends. Our relationship is deep, historic and enduring and we want it to flourish. Nonetheless, it is entirely appropriate to recognise that Ireland's decision to remain fully engaged in the European project has strengthened our economy, enhanced our influence and secured greater opportunities for our people. This month, we assume the Presidency of the Council of Europe at a defining moment, both for Europe and our country. It is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, build consensus and advance the interests of Ireland and all Europeans. I welcome the vote in the European Parliament banning Aughinish Alumina sales to Russia, albeit it was a non-binding vote. Any party that voted against that ban should be condemned. It is a shocker. Our Presidency will be guided by the three clear priorities, namely, competitiveness, security and shared European values. Competitiveness means ensuring that Europe remains in a place where businesses can innovate, workers can prosper and investment can create opportunity in every region. Ireland knows better than most that access to the Single Market has transformed our economy. It has helped create jobs, attract investment and provide opportunities for generations of Irish people. Our task now is to ensure Europe remains competitive in an increasingly global economy while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and supporting innovation. The Savings and Investment Union, the 28th regime, has huge potential to boost competitiveness. That is all from the Draghi report mentioned by Deputy Ó Cearúil. I hope the Government is going to vigorously pursue these proposals during our Presidency while also protecting workers' rights. Security has taken on a new meaning in recent years. It means supporting peace and stability across our Continent, standing with Ukraine as long as it defends its sovereignty, and strengthening Europe’s resilience against threats to our energy supply, critical infrastructure and democratic institutions. Ireland will play its part, consistent with our values and long-standing commitment to peace and international co-operation. That is why we must continue to put pressure on Israel to stop its destruction of Palestine. A third priority is democracy, rule of law and respect for human dignity. These are not simply aspirations but the foundations on which Europe was built. They have delivered peace across a Continent that tore itself apart for thousands of years. That is why EU enlargement is crucial. In a world full of conflict and uncertainty, we must develop our own defence capabilities. As we begin this Presidency, let us approach it with confidence, champion policies which strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, protect its security and uphold its values. Let us continue to show that a small nation like Ireland can provide meaningful leadership through partnership and co-operation. Ireland has always achieved more by building bridges rather than building barriers. I believe the Minister of State has a similar outlook to me on this. That is the spirit we should bring to our Presidency. That is the future we want to shape for Europe.

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