In Fine Gael we support the enlargement of our European Union. Ireland and the countries of Europe are stronger when we work together, bound by common values, including respect for democracy, individual freedoms, as well as the rule of law. - source: party

Fianna Fáil supports a European future for the people of Ukraine and views EU membership as a long-term security guarantee. We actively lobbied for and support the decision to open accession negotiations and call for a speedy process. - source: party

Labour supports EU enlargement based on the full respect of workers’ and social rights, social dialogue, and the EU social acquis. - source: party

We favour Ukrainian membership of the EU, but as with all applicants, after they meet the Copenhagen criteria. - source: party

The first priority is peace. Once this is achieved the people of Ukraine can decide whether to join. - source: party

We support the freedom of Ukraine and oppose the violent aggression of the Russian agreement. We seek withdrawal of Russian troops and humanitarian support for Ukraine. Ukrainian integration in the EU is not practical and has many serious pitfalls. - source: party

While we do not oppose Ukraine joining the EU, rushing the membership process and giving derogations on member obligations - stable institutions guaranteeing rule of law, a functioning economy, ability to carry out obligations of EU membership - to some countries risks de-stabilising the bloc. - source: party

We are favour of minimum effective corporation tax rates and a harmonising system around that, but countries should be allowed to charge higher rates if they wish. - source: party

Tax should be a national competence, but the OECD now has international rules to harmonise corporations taxes to stop big business playing governments against each other. A higher EU wide rate would allow more for citizens, so if this could be achieved, we would support it. - source: party

We support the existing BEPS process on harmonisation of corporate tax rates under the auspices of the OECD. - source: party

Fine Gael strongly defends Ireland’s right to decide our Corporation Tax as well as setting our own tax policies. - source: party

We will not allow the competitive Irish economy to be wilfully mischaracterised as a “tax haven”. We will continue to oppose any erosion of Member State competency in tax and ensure companies in Ireland have tax planning certainty at an internationally competitive rate. - source: party

"Sinn Féin will fight for the Irish government to defend our veto on taxation matters in the Council" (Sinn Féin EU Manifesto 2019) - source: party statements

Ireland needs to maintain power of our taxation power. - source: party

Labour supports the OECD/G20 minimum corporation tax agreements, but member states should maintain flexibility to compete. The EU should have more powers to raise its own revenue including an EU wide wealth tax on the ultrarich, a financial transaction tax and windfall taxes on energy profits. - source: party

Europe has changed dramatically in the last five years with Russia’s War on Ukraine, the Covid-19 Pandemic, and climate-related weather events, such as wildfires and flooding. The EU must have the resources necessary to help Member States meet these challenges. - source: party

If we want the EU to do more, than it will need more of its own resources. The EU should have more powers to raise its own revenue including an EU wide wealth tax on the ultrarich, a financial transaction tax and windfall taxes on energy profits. - source: party

Fianna Fáil will support additional payments from Ireland to the Multi-annual Financial Framework only if our priorities (upholding of the Rule of Law and commitment to the green and digital revolutions) are protected and advanced. - source: party

This depends entirely on what the money is being spent on. - source: party

This would depend on what the money is used for. We would support higher CAP payments for small and medium farmers but oppose all funds that would go towards militarisation. - source: party

Fine Gael is a member of the European People’s Party, EPP, the largest and most influential political group in Europe. Ursula von der Leyen is a vice-president of the EPP and has ably led the European Commission through highly uncertain times globally. - source: party

We are conducting extensive consultations to decide which nominee to support. The outcome of the elections is a factor for all states in determining who to support. After the elections, we must come together in the European Council and propose a nominee, for approval by the European Parliament. - source: party

"Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy TD, has called on the Irish government and EU candidates to clearly state that they will not support the reappointment of Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission President" (Sinn Féin, Feb 19 2024) - source: party statements

She has distorted Ireland’s foreign policy and she seeks to create a Defence Union. - source: party

We strongly oppose the idea of a second term for President von der Leyen. - source: party

Labour believes she is not fit for the role. Last October she went way beyond her brief, by disgracefully giving unconditional EU support to Israel without the consent of member states. We are supporting the Party of European Socialists candidate Nicolas Schmit. - source: party

Her stance on Israel’s genocidal war is shocking. She also supports a big business agenda. - source: party

Russia has brought war to our continent with its illegal invasion of Ukraine. We’ve also endured attacks in other parts of Europe, including the cyberattack on the HSE here. While respecting our policy of military neutrality, Ireland can and should work to defend our European way of life. - source: party

Collaboration on defence and security is not limited to military activities. E.g. the European Defence Fund has funded projects in both Maynooth and NUIG on cybersecurity training and medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. - source: party

We respect the position of countries who wish to collaborate more on security and defence, but we see the EU firstly as a peace project, and it must respect Irish military neutrality. Ireland must invest more in our own Defence Forces and address the recruitment and retention crisis. - source: party

"While we will not withdraw Irish defence forces from pre-committed operations and exercises, we will approach future proposals in the context of the principles underpinned by Irish neutrality" (Irish Times interview with Matt Carthy TD, 13/5/2023) - source: party statements

Aontú supports Irish Neutrality and opposes the development of an EU military block. - source: party

Ireland should stay neutral and avoid any involvement in growing inter-imperialist conflicts. - source: party

Rather than a common army, the armed forces/defence forces of Member States should work together more often, e.g., through peace-keeping initiatives, and responses to humanitarian disasters. - source: party

"Sinn Féin wants to ensure the EU works for peace, security and the protection of human rights. Sinn Féin MEPs will work to halt the militarisation agenda within the EU and the creation of an EU army" (European Election - sinnfein.ie) - source: party statements

Aontú supports active neutrality. We have an international reputation as a peacekeeper and an honest broker. We need to leverage that reputation in the fight for peace. - source: party

Labour completely disagrees with the EU having a common army. The EU should be focused on building a more social union protecting public services and workers with better jobs & higher wages, delivering a just transition on climate, lower energy prices and a European plan for affordable housing. - source: party

We are always told the EU was founded to secure peace. States already spend too much of weapons. We oppose all moves towards an EU army. - source: party

Each country has the right to defend itself against an invasion or an attack. While Ireland is militarily neutral, that has never prevented us from providing aid to countries, particularly humanitarian aid, to help civilians enduring the awful effects of war. - source: party

We support EU sanctions which financially/diplomatically punish Russia and limit its ability to wage war. We will continue political, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and will not stand in the way of Member States providing military assistance. - source: party

European countries are providing support to Ukraine on a country-by-country basis, in line with their own approaches to defence and security. This should be allowed to continue. It is important that Ireland provides aid with our policy of military neutrality. - source: party

EU countries are already providing significant support, and additional weapons will now be financed through the interest on frozen Russian assets. If EU countries decide to provide more support Labour MEPs won’t object. Irish funds should not be used for weapons as is currently the case. - source: party

"Sinn Féin supports the utilisation of all diplomatic, economic and financial sanctions against Russia in response to these breaches of international law" (Matt Carthy TD, 24/2/2024) - source: party statements

We should be encouraging peace talks – not funding an escalation of war where more Ukrainians and Russian die. - source: party

"It is imperative that the Triple Lock be maintained in terms of our participation in Peace Keeping operations" (Matt Carthy TD, Sinn Féin submission to the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy) - source: party statements

Whilst we no longer support the reliance on a unreformed UN Security Council vote, we still believe that UN General Assembly or other form of multilateral mandate should be used to guide Irish defence policy and involvement in peacekeeping matters. We continue to support Irish neutrality. - source: party

Labour supports a referendum to enshrine military neutrality in the Constitution, with retention of the Triple Lock with ongoing UN approval of peacekeeping missions. We’ve no issue with increasing the number of soldiers up from 12 that can be deployed abroad in an emergency – that makes sense. - source: party

Let’s keep our neutrality. It has served us well for 75 years. - source: party

The current ‘triple lock’ means Russia, China and others have a say on where Irish troops are deployed. That is not acceptable. The Oireachtas and the Government of Ireland should have the final say, not Russia. It’s also important to note that changing the triple lock has no impact on neutrality. - source: party

We do not support Putin’s regime, China, or indeed the other UNSC permanent members, having a veto over the deployment of the Irish defence forces to peace keeping missions. - source: party

"We need an arms embargo against Israel, and an end to the EU-Israel trade agreement" (Senator Paul Gavan, 22/4/2024) - source: party statements

Israel is now clearly in breach of the terms of the EU Israel Association Agreement and it should be suspended in part or completely until this is no longer the case. - source: party

There must be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages, unimpeded access for aid, an end to illegal occupation of Palestinian land and war crime prosecutions. We support a two-state solution and will work towards trade sanctions & severing the EU-Israel Association Agreement. - source: party

Israel is a terrorist state. Time to match words with action. - source: party

Fine Gael has called for an urgent review of the EU’s trade agreement with Israel due to the conflict in Gaza and the Middle East, the loss of life and the suffering being endured by civilians. - source: party

"Competency for foreign policy at a European Union level lies with the European Council at which each member state has a veto" (Matt Carthy TD, 19/2/2024) - source: party statements

Broadly agree, even if it potentially makes EU foreign policy less effective and might mean individual states can prevent the EU from acting. However it limits the extent to which the Commission President can go on a solo run. A veto would also help Ireland maintain neutrality. - source: party

Ireland should retain the capacity to pursue its own foreign policy but should work closely with other EU countries on shared objectives, e.g. the sustainable development goals, supporting & defending human rights, and international development for global justice, shared prosperity and peace. - source: party

As Europe has grown the ability to act quickly has, at times, become more difficult. Fine Gael supports the move away from the unanimity principle in specific cases, such as when imposing sanctions on totalitarian regimes, e.g., Russia, and countries which show no regard for human rights. - source: party

EU foreign policy can help to increase Ireland and Europe’s reach on the global stage. Subjecting it to the veto of some member states would be to ensure total inaction. Irish national foreign policy can and would continue in parallel - source: party

Ireland has a firm, rules-based system for immigration. However, with an increase in the number of applications coupled with the fact that migration is an issue affecting all European countries, the new migration pact will update and strengthen our rules-based system. - source: party

We need a fair, rules-based immigration system, which respects both the integrity of our borders and the dignity of people trying to access better lives in the EU. This is reflected in the new Migration and Asylum Pact. - source: party

We supported some of the proposals in the vote in the European Parliament, and still have concerns in relation to the potential for human rights monitoring and child detention. However, we believe that Irish participation can be a nett positive for the Pact and for Irish migration policy. - source: party

The Pact must be implemented to the highest human rights standards. It won’t address the underlying causes of migration. The right to asylum must be protected. By not opting in Ireland would be bound by old Dublin III rules which won’t function in other EU countries creating legal uncertainty. - source: party

"The vast majority of measures contained in the EU’s Asylum and Migration Pact are not in Ireland’s interests" (Pa Daly TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice 27/3/2024). - source: party statements

Ireland must retain sovereignty on this issue. No one knows what the future will hold but if we hand the power to Europe they will make the decisions on numbers of people and the amount of money we have to contribute. They will not make these decisions in our interest. - source: party

It involves detention of minors. It is opposed as inhumane by all of the human rights organisations. - source: party

The increase in the number of migrants is a global issue, caused in large part by wars, famines and other disasters. The increase is a challenge that no one country can meet alone, Therefore, we must work together with our EU partners. - source: party

Europe needs to have a common and coordinated system for migration and asylum based on solidarity and shared responsibility. We stand for well-managed migration with safe pathways, proactive labour market integration, and stronger inclusion policies. - source: party

"We want a system that recognises each Member State is different and faces different pressures at any given time. For example, the capacity constraints in terms of accommodation, health services and school places are particularly grave here in Ireland.” (Pa Daly, TD 23/3/2024) - source: party statements

Tackling callous and brutal people traffickers and smugglers is essential to reducing the dangers that people face, such as on journeys across the Mediterranean. We have a duty to help people in need which is exactly what our Navy has done in the Mediterranean in recent years. - source: party

“The failure of EU countries to prevent refugees from drowning and to provide safe and legal pathways to asylum is a disgrace." (Seán Crowe TD, 24/10/2019) - source: party statements

Rescuing humans at sea is an obligation under international law. Labour supports the reintroduction of an EU search and rescue mission in the Mediterranean. Offering humanitarian assistance should never be criminalised. We are against border externalisation. - source: party

30,000 people have died by drownings. Yet Fine Gael MEP’s voted against such rescue missions. Let’s have a bit of humanity, - source: party

Our current system was designed when there were far fewer applicants per year. With the recent significant increases, Fine Gael is working with our government partners to provide more suitable accommodation while also ensuring decisions on applications are made as quickly as possible. - source: party

“It is a failure of government to plan adequate quality temporary accommodation for people who seek international protection” (Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin housing spokesperson, Irish Times Inside Politics, 8/5/2024) - source: party statements

Labour has long called for a proactive response from the government by mobilising State-owned properties and vacant buildings and offices to ensure suitable accommodation is in place for refugees, moving away from the current reactive system. Using tents now amounts to Ireland’s Rwanda policy. - source: party

It needs to house the homeless – both Irish citizens and asylum seekers. Open up vacant public property immediately. - source: party

There are 37 vacant properties in the ownership of the Minister for Integration that were bought for the purpose and of housing asylum seekers. These should be brought into use asap. - source: party

During Brexit, we worked hard to ensure that there was no return of a hard border on the island of Ireland. Part of this ensured keeping the Common Travel Area with Britain working properly. Gardaí and the UK Border Force routinely work together to tackle issues, including abuse of the area. - source: party

“We cannot return to borders of the past. One of the greatest symbols of our peace is the invisible border which has enhanced the social cohesion and economic integration of our island.” (Sinn Féin, EU Manifesto 2019). - source: party statements

This is neither legal nor possible, and is not the answer to the current issues facing us. - source: party

There must be an Irish sea border. Asylum applicants from Britain must apply at the airports and ferry ports in the north of Ireland. This policy has the support of the majority of people polled in the north. - source: party

The Common Travel Area needs to be protected. The Irish government needs to engage with the UK on addressing this issue. Applications for asylum in Ireland must be more quickly processed. - source: party

We are against anything that strengthens partition. - source: party

Fine Gael voted in favour of the EU’s Nature Restoration Law which aims to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030. It achieves a balance between actions to improve biodiversity while also safeguarding food security and guaranteeing that measures will be voluntary for farmers. - source: party

Our policy is that landowner participation in nature restoration is voluntary. Rewetting targets can be achieved using state lands only past mid-2040s. We advocate for farmers to be provided with strong funding to ensure they are rewarded for restoration activities they may volunteer to undertake. - source: party

We support an implementation of the NRL using public lands and voluntary participants, with compensation and consultation. - source: party

Labour’s group in the European Parliament, the Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, led on passing the Nature Restoration law and the next Parliament must ensure it comes into force, and that financial resources are put in place to implement it by supporting farmers to protect & restore nature. - source: party

But small and medium farmers also need financial support to allow them to engage in environmental protection. - source: party

"Farmers concerns not addressed by Nature Restoration Law" (Chris MacManus MEP and Claire Kerrane TD, 27/2/2024) - source: party statements

In Ireland we’ve set ourselves a target of halving Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Fine Gael’s MEPs voted in favour of the EU Green Deal after securing changes that safeguarded food security and recognised the crucial role that farm families play as custodians of our environment. - source: party

This is exactly what is required if Europe is to lead by example and play our part in ensuring global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees. - source: party

We must stay on track for net zero with ambitious targets but through a just transition that brings communities with us in areas that have been left behind, by creating employment, being inclusive in the implementation of policy and clearly explaining why action is needed. - source: party

We need to adopt radical targets to tackle climate change while supporting farmers with financial and technical support. - source: party

Ireland has some of the best wind energy resources in the world. Through engagement with communities & the oversight of the new marine area regulatory authority, we can tap into this vast source of renewable energy to become exporters of clean energy while also providing for our own energy needs. - source: party

With increased wind energy, Ireland can achieve energy independence & become a net exporter of renewable energy. Floating offshore wind is well suited to our south & west coasts. Its development should be fast tracked. Our MEPs will ensure that wind projects receive adequate funding & resources. - source: party

“A Sinn Féin-led government will work with industry to unleash the full potential of wind…As it stands, Ireland will not hit the 9GW onshore wind target by 2030 at the current rate of progress” (Mary Lou McDonald TD, 30/1/2024 speech to Wind Energy Ireland). - source: party statements

These must be built only with community consent. The government should change the investment model to a system where more communities themselves own the turbines. Turbines should be located at least ten times their own height from the nearest house. - source: party

We have to decarbonise our society while ensuring access to secure electricity supplies. The wholesale electricity market must be reformed to ensure more affordable energy, with a long-term strategy on pricing and investment in renewable sources. - source: party

It depends on how they are built. Corporations want to make quick profit and do not care for wider environment. We want proper consultation with communities and the benefits to go to those same communities. - source: party

The Nitrates Derogation is critical to the viability of some family farms and the wider rural economy. It recognises the different type of farming in Ireland – grass-based, outdoors – when compared to other parts of Europe. Farmers are playing their part in improving water quality. - source: party

We are absolutely committed to working in every way possible to make sure that Ireland retains its derogation. We will robustly advocate through the European Parliament the reasons why Ireland’s derogation should be continued and the work underway at farm level to ensure water quality improves. - source: party

"Sinn Fein supports keeping Nitrates Derogation if water quality can be maintained and improved" (Claire Kerrane, TD, Irish Independent, 11/9/2023) - source: party statements

Water quality must improve, more measures are needed. The allowed stocking level was cut from 250 to 220kg/hectare in 2023; the impact of this must be observed. Dairy farmers have expanded; those who wish to exit or downsize should be supported. EU must recognise Irish outdoor farming practises. - source: party

We could only be comfortable keeping the derogation if Irish water quality is improving. - source: party

The nitrates directive is designed to protect our water quality. This needs to be protected but again small and medium farmers need both financial and technical support to enable a just transition. - source: party

The EU’s Agricultural Policy needs to support farmers to have sustainable incomes, but do it in a way encourages environmentally sustainable farming. The EU has incentivised the intensification of farming, they must now support farmers to transition to a more sustainable model. - source: party

We want to safeguard food security & strengthen CAP to support farmers, esp. young, women, and agri workers, with more funds flowing towards smaller farmers, and those who meet environmental and biodiversity criteria. Farmers must also be protected from unfair competition from outside the EU. - source: party

CAP needs to be changed so that smaller farmers receive more compensation, and the big agri-industry gets less. This will allow farmers to transition away from high emissions farming without losing their incomes. - source: party

We support voluntary diversification of European agriculture, and favour that resources be allocated to organic and other agriculture that favour sustainability. - source: party

Food security is essential. Ireland consistently ranks at the top of the Food Security Index. Our farmers are playing their part in reducing emissions & improving biodiversity. Ireland’s beef and dairy sectors produce food more efficiently than most other parts of the world. - source: party

"Sinn Féin is committed to … fair prices and a fair CAP for family farmers, while also ensuring that there is fair play in terms of the demands on them as they meet increasingly stringent obligations in protecting the environment and biodiversity" (Matt Carthy TD, 9/10/2021) - source: party statements

The government should help farmers reduce emissions rather than punish farmers. - source: party