Martin Daly backs ceasefire and urges EU competitiveness push
Martin Daly addressed the post-Council European Statement, summarising EU positions on Gaza, Iran, Ukraine, Syria and urging a renewed focus on competitiveness. He said Ireland should continue to campaign for a ceasefire that secures the release of hostages, humanitarian relief and a two-state solution, and welcomed the EU's commitment to Ukraine's security.
Ireland has led the EU in advocating for the beleaguered Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, the speaker said. The Taoiseach has called it genocide and criticised the lack of EU action; there has been formal recognition at EU level of human rights abuses and a promised review of the EU Association Agreement.
The speaker noted tentative hope that a US-brokered ceasefire could allow a massive humanitarian aid programme to begin. He argued Ireland should continue to campaign for a ceasefire that allows the release of hostages, relief of the Palestinian people and a permanent political solution based on the two-state principle.
The affirmation of the EU's commitment to Ukraine's security was welcomed, with concern that Russia must not prevail in creating a potential threat to the Baltic states. The speaker referenced previous statements on these issues and framed them alongside the Middle East developments.
Focusing on the EU's recommitment to competitiveness enunciated in the Draghi report, the speaker said Europe faces extraordinary global uncertainty as geopolitical tensions deepen and markets fragment. He warned that the return of aggressive tariff policies under President Trump is rewriting the rules of international trade and posed the central question of how Europe and Ireland remain competitive in a volatile, protectionist world.
The speaker argued competitiveness is about resilience, innovation, talent and leading future technologies — not just low costs or market access. He highlighted Ireland's investments in innovation hubs, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and green energy, and noted EU instruments such as Horizon Europe and the European Chips Act. He urged practical delivery: removing obstacles to growth, speeding up planning, strengthening digital infrastructure, and supporting education and skills so Ireland can be a magnet for investment and a centre of innovation.
The speaker concluded that Ireland has reason for confidence but must match it with action: Ireland is the ambition we must hold and it is the action we must take.
EU stance on Gaza and human rights
Ireland has led the EU in advocating for the beleaguered Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, the speaker said. The Taoiseach has called it genocide and criticised the lack of EU action; there has been formal recognition at EU level of human rights abuses and a promised review of the EU Association Agreement.
Ceasefire, hostages and humanitarian aid
The speaker noted tentative hope that a US-brokered ceasefire could allow a massive humanitarian aid programme to begin. He argued Ireland should continue to campaign for a ceasefire that allows the release of hostages, relief of the Palestinian people and a permanent political solution based on the two-state principle.
Support for Ukraine and regional security
The affirmation of the EU's commitment to Ukraine's security was welcomed, with concern that Russia must not prevail in creating a potential threat to the Baltic states. The speaker referenced previous statements on these issues and framed them alongside the Middle East developments.
Competitiveness, global uncertainty and the Draghi report
Focusing on the EU's recommitment to competitiveness enunciated in the Draghi report, the speaker said Europe faces extraordinary global uncertainty as geopolitical tensions deepen and markets fragment. He warned that the return of aggressive tariff policies under President Trump is rewriting the rules of international trade and posed the central question of how Europe and Ireland remain competitive in a volatile, protectionist world.
Innovation, investment and delivery
The speaker argued competitiveness is about resilience, innovation, talent and leading future technologies — not just low costs or market access. He highlighted Ireland's investments in innovation hubs, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and green energy, and noted EU instruments such as Horizon Europe and the European Chips Act. He urged practical delivery: removing obstacles to growth, speeding up planning, strengthening digital infrastructure, and supporting education and skills so Ireland can be a magnet for investment and a centre of innovation.
Conclusion and call to action
The speaker concluded that Ireland has reason for confidence but must match it with action: Ireland is the ambition we must hold and it is the action we must take.
We publish thousands of recordings to make Irish politics transparent and resistant to manipulation. Spotted an error? Report it — together we are building a reliable archive of Irish politics.
Other speeches
Tego samego dnia All speeches from this day →
Sharon Keogan
Sharon Keogan backs pregnancy-loss leave but urges criminal law reform
Victor Boyhan
Victor Boyhan on Farm Stress, Inheritance and Mental Health
Mattie McGrath
Mattie McGrath urges a balanced Irish stance on EU and neutrality
Mattie McGrath
Mattie McGrath urges urgent investment in Waterford-Limerick rail
Richard O'Donoghue
Richard O'Donoghue: Demands Transparency on Supermarket Profits
Danny Healy-Rae
Danny Healy-Rae urges action on tractor safety and media
Transcript
Following the 26th June post-Council European Statement I note the EU position in Gaza, Iran, Ukraine and Syria. Ireland has led the EU advocating for the beleaguered Palestinian people in Gaza and in the West Bank. The Taoiseach has called it genocide and forcefully decried the lack of action on part of the European Union. There has been a formal recognition at the EU level driven by Ireland of human rights abuses and a promised review of the EU Association Agreement. There is tentative hope that a ceasefire brokered by the US will supersede this and allow a massive humanitarian aid programme to begin. Ireland should continue to campaign for a ceasefire that allows the release of the hostages, relief of the Palestinian people and a permanent political solution based on the two-state principle. The affirmation of the EU commitment to the security of Ukraine and ensuring that Russia does not prevail in creating a potential threat to our Baltic states is also welcomed. I have made statements on those two issues previously, most recently on the Middle East last week, and would like to focus on the EU's recommitment to competitiveness, which was enunciated in the Draghi report. We are living through an era of extraordinary global uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions are deepening, markets are fragmenting, and with the return of aggressive tariff policies under President Trump, the rules of international trade, rules that once brought stability and predictability are being rewritten. In this context, one question should focus on all our minds. How do we ensure that Europe and Ireland remain competitive in a world that is increasingly volatile, protectionist and unpredictable? Competitiveness today is not just about low costs or access to markets. It's about resilience, it's about innovation, it's about the ability to attract talent, to develop new industries and to lead in the technologies that will shape the future. If we want to succeed, we can't stand still, and we can't rely on the old assumptions. At the same time, we are witnessing a profound shift across the Atlantic. In the United States, long regarded as a powerhouse for innovation, the environment for research and development has become more uncertain. universities, research institutions and tech industries are grappling with the unstable funding, political interference and growing barriers to collaboration. And that recreates a strategic opening for Europe and Ireland. We have the opportunity not just to compete but to lead. We can be a place where researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs can find a stable, ambitious and forward-looking environment in which to thrive. And thankfully, we are already taking steps in that direction. Here in Ireland, we are investing in innovation hubs, advanced manufacturing, clusters, digital technologies and green energy solutions. We are supporting our universities and research centres to collaborate with industry and to attract the brightest minds from across the globe. The European Union is also playing its part with the Horizon Europe programme, the European Chips Act and a new push to cut administrative burdens on small businesses and start-ups. The message is clear, we want Europe to be the home of the industries and jobs of the future. But we must go further, competitiveness isn't just about policy papers. It is about delivery, it means removing the obstacles that hold back growth, it means speeding up planning, strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting education and skills and ensuring that we are not just catching up with global trends but setting them. Ireland has every reason to be confident. We are an open, outward-looking economy with a strong track record of innovation and resilience. But confidence must be matched with action. In the face of global instability, Ireland can be a magnet for investment, a centre of innovation and a leader in shaping Europe's competitive future. Ireland is the ambition we must hold and it is the action we must take. Thank you. Thanks Deputy.