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

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

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

Ukraine cannot be made a member of the European Union while at war with Russia without profound implications for European and Ukrainian citizens. EU efforts should be towards de-escalation of the present conflict and a plan for sustainable peace thereafter. - 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

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 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

Ireland needs to stop operating as a tax haven and a key to stopping the race to the bottom on corporation tax is to introduce a flat rate across Europe. Thanks to our tax policies Ireland is currently a captured state and the interests of workers and carers are always at the bottom of the pile. - 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

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

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

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

Without a substantial rebalancing of the European project no more money should be given to it. Europe needs to become a democratic union; where the MEPs can propose legislation and where people across Europe have a direct say in the appointment of the commission and the European president. - 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

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

Von der Leyen has disastrously overstepped her powers on Ukraine and Gaza and is set on taking the EU down an Imperialist path; where the EU military industrial complex is to be grown to new and horrific heights. Von der Leyen must go. - 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

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

The European Union is first and foremost a peace project. It is a way to keep the states of Europe from each other's throats; it is not a way for Germany to project military and political might into the developing world. - 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

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

A common army would only allow the European Union to begin waging war. European countries already collaborate on defence, and at present there is no realistic threat to European security. After its failure to annex Ukraine, Russia is not going to invade the European Union. - 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

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

The EU should bring in immediate and full economic sanctions against Russia. All oil and gas imports should be stopped. All assets of the Russian state and Russian oligarchs should be confiscated. That needs to be done in tandem with tapering military funding to Ukraine. - source: party

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

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

"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

The only reason Ireland would remove the triple lock is to wage war. Irish neutrality, eroded as it is, must be protected and any move to change the triple lock needs to be subject to a referendum. The question anyone who wants to remove the lock needs to answer is; who do you want to invade? - 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

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

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

"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

The EU needs to begin treating Israel like the apartheid state it is; and institute full economic and cultural sanctions. Right now Israel has €4bn worth of trade ties to Ireland, including in goods which have potential military uses which undermines our neutrality - 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

Until the EU is a fully democratic entity the veto allows us to prevent the nations under the sway of the far-right from eroding our democratic and civic interests. - 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

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

The migration pact is a strengthening of a cruel Fortress Europe approach to refugees. Ireland treats refugees abysmally. They receive a paltry €38.80 a week, and cannot work to contribute to Irish society. We need to improve refugee integration by allowing them to work and pay taxes. - 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

Refugees need to be shared across Europe; with a common & humane standard of living & the opportunity to work and contribute to the nations they make new homes in. The hope is always that they can return to their homes, but while here they should be allowed to help us make our countries better. - 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

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

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

It is absolutely inhumane to allow people to drown in the sea. We have a responsibility to save lives, and someone’s language, origin, religion or the colour of their skin should never be a factor in deciding whether they should live or die. - source: party

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

We need to solve the housing crisis immediately. Irish people are being forced out of the country en masse and 71% of people under 30 are stuck living with their parents. Asylum seekers have been treated abysmally in Ireland since before the housing crisis began. - 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

We are against anything that strengthens partition. - 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

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

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

No, of course not. The Good Friday agreement is predicated on the free movement of people between the two jurisdictions. Peace on our Island is only enabled by the dissolution of barriers between North and South, and any moves to reverse that must be opposed. - source: party

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

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

The Nature Restoration law doesn’t go far enough to protect the environment. It doesn’t provide funding for the measures it proposes & it places no burden on nations to fully implement the changes. We support a stronger Nature Restoration bill that will help end the climate & biodiversity crises. - source: party

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

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

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

It isn’t ambitious enough. To have any chance of preventing climate breakdown we need Europe to reach zero emissions by 2030. To achieve that we need to build a movement of workers and carers who will strike for the revolutionary changes necessary to save the planet. - 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 need a major expansion of renewable energy in this country. We believe that communities need to be given a stake in energy production; and onshore windfarms should be owned by the local communities where they are situated, with the benefits of that ownership going to those communities. - 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

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

Removing the existing nitrates derogation without compensating farmers is an example of eco-austerity. It should not be removed without first securing farmers’ incomes which the present use of nitrates fertiliser guarantees. - 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

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

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 need to make farming pay for farmers, and reintroduce full-time farming to this country. We should be shifting funding to help farmers diversify their farms and to restore and manage habitats. We need to subsidise farmers to produce food that we currently import. - 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