Europe must wake up to real issues

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has attacked the European council for their lack of leadership during this critical time in our history.

The Ireland South MEP was speaking as she addressed the European Council on their Conclusions of the Council and Commission at December meeting

“We are at a critical juncture in Europe and indeed the world.

“The huge implications from Brexit, not only for our economy but culture in general, will potentially be devastating and with the imminent presidency of Trump there is no doubt that he will be forging a new field of uncertainty.”

During her speech Ms Ní Riada made specific reference to Youth Unemployment

“Now more than ever we have a responsibility to look after our people and in particular our young people. Unfortunately this is not the case when it comes to youth employment.

The Parliament has let our youth down, failing to provide them with any certainty of a stable, let alone positive future. This house is giving more of a priority to military expansion than addressing the real needs of the people.”

Ms Ní Riada criticised proposals for a repeat of the ESFI (The European Strategic Investment Fund) also known as the Juncker plan; an investment package of 350 billion.

“The Parliament is also talking about additional investment in the ESFI. The first tranche of it didn´t work as was imagined and now we´re talking about repeating the same mistakes again. The facts clearly outline that SMEs, cooperatives and the social economy are not benefiting from it. Accommodating the private sector seems to be the order of the day and those who have no resources have fallen off the cliff.

“Lack of leadership, lack of understanding, lack of political will and lack of ambition. When will the council and commission recognise the huge challenges we face and deal with them in a realistic and meaningful manner? The council and commission need to wake up and address the issues facing Ireland and Europe.”