Next July Ireland will assume the EU Presidency. It poses a significant opportunity for our country and a chance to help steer Europe's policy agenda. While some in this Chamber aim to undermine and devalue our EU membership, the reality is that Ireland's joining of the European bloc has boosted our economic success, strengthened our international influence and safeguarded peace on our island. In contrast, the UK economy has nose-dived since they adopted a go-it-alone policy through Brexit. The EU Presidency is a massive opportunity with Ireland centre stage. I hope that in our national interest, those on the Opposition benches will facilitate Ministers and Government in the effective exercise of their roles. As we prepare for this role, it is essential that the Government sets clear priorities focusing on the issues that will define Europe's future and directly impact the lives of people here at home. On defence, Russia's ongoing brutal war against Ukraine has fundamentally reshaped Europe's security landscape. Every member state has been forced to reassess how we approach defence, both individually and collectively. Ireland's Presidency provides a forum to advance discussions on strengthening Europe's resilience, particularly in areas close to home such as the protection of underseas data and energy infrastructure which are critical both to national and European security. In recent years, we have seen the explosion of artificial intelligence and how it is transforming industries at extraordinary speed. Europe must ensure that innovation is encouraged and that we become a global leader in this space. With our hugely dominant tech sector, Ireland is well placed to drive forward a European agenda that supports emerging industries, promotes ethical AI development and guarantees that citizens' rights remain at the heart of this digital transformation. Housing remains one of the most urgent challenges facing Ireland, and while our problem is acute, we must also recognise that right across Europe, families are struggling with the very same pressures. President von der Leyen referenced this in her state of the Union speech, noting that our collective housing crisis was tearing "at Europe's social fabric". As we take on the EU Presidency, we must ensure that Europe plays a decisive and co-ordinated role in supporting member states ,including our own, in delivering affordable and sustainable housing for citizens. I compliment the Minister for agriculture, Deputy Heydon, the Taoiseach and the rest of the Government for negotiating a satisfactory outcome on the issue of the nitrates directive. It is a vital lifeline for our dairy farmers. However, I caution that this success must not and should not be traded for a deal on Mercosur. Mercosur threatens to open the door to a surge of low-standard beef from South America, undercutting the hard work of Irish farmers and risking real damage to one of our most important sectors. What is the Taoiseach's assessment of the current position on Mercosur? What are his priorities for the Presidency?

Sentiment score: 0.25

I welcome the Taoiseach's response. In the context of Ireland's European Presidency, the Government must ensure that energy resilience remains at the heart of the agenda and that Irish consumers and industry directly benefit from investments and reform. How is the Mercosur deal panning out in Europe? Decisions are imminent. The Government did a fantastic job on the nitrates directive. I hope we can get a satisfactory resolution to the Mercosur issue. What is the Taoiseach's read on that?

Sentiment score: 0.35