Debate contribution: Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on 2 March 2026.

MLA

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

2 March 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5433303

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to make a winding-up speech on the motion. I thank Members for engaging robustly in the debate, albeit it veered in many different directions. My colleague Matthew O'Toole clearly outlined the significance of Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 2026. It is indeed a significant responsibility, which comes at a serious moment in global affairs. As many Members said, we are living through a period of deep instability. The escalation of violence in the Middle East following the bombing of Iran has heightened global tensions and created real fears about a wider conflict. Energy markets are volatile. Supply chains are fragile. Investor confidence across many regions is cautious. It is at times such as these that stability and cooperation matter more than ever. For Northern Ireland, because it affects energy prices, international instability is not something that we watch on television and then forget about. Energy prices here shot up this morning by over 10%. In many ways, some of the energy companies are profiteering off the back of that instability. There was no need for those rises to happen at the minute, as they bought the oil at significantly lower prices than what they were selling it for to our communities this morning. International instability therefore affects trade routes, business confidence and the decisions of companies considering where to invest and where to grow. That is why Ireland's EU presidency matters. It comes at a time when global politics are uncertain. The European Union will focus on competitiveness, energy security, resilience and economic stability: those are not distant policy themes; they speak directly to the challenges that we face. Northern Ireland's economy is still adjusting to the realities of Brexit. I agree with others, including Steve Aiken, about the difficulties of the Windsor framework. Businesses continue to navigate additional processes, and many seek greater clarity and smoother cooperation between the UK and the EU. Stability in that relationship is not an abstract diplomatic goal; it underpins jobs and investment in our communities. As Ciara Ferguson and Emma Sheerin both outlined, the loss of EU membership and EU funding has been a body blow for the community and voluntary sector in all our communities, particularly in west Belfast, Derry and other border areas, which have suffered greatly as a result of us leaving the European Union. I just cannot understand why Gerry Carroll cannot join up those dots.

I will move on and, hopefully, get to that. Ireland’s holding the EU presidency creates the opportunity to strengthen constructive engagement between the EU and the UK. It creates the space where practical issues can be addressed in a measured and solution-focused way. We should all want that — even you, Jonathan, should agree that Northern Ireland benefits economically when relationships are steady and predictable. Our unique position means that we trade east-west and North/South. Our energy system operates on an all-Ireland basis. Our universities collaborate across Europe. Our firms rely on access to markets in both directions. It would simply not be credible to pretend that developments at a European level do not shape our economic environment. Ireland's holding the EU presidency should, therefore, be seen as a strategic opportunity. David Brooks, on behalf of the DUP: you never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. This is an opportunity to advance Northern Ireland's economic interests; strengthen cooperation on infrastructure and connectivity; support innovation and research collaboration; and ensure that energy transition policies enhance competitiveness rather than add cost. It is also regrettable —.

Sorry. Just a moment, please. It is also regrettable that the Alliance Party wishes to remain on the fence. Where is your ambition for all the people on this island? The question is whether the Executive will approach the matter with ambition. Serious economic planning requires preparation, clarity on priorities and engagement. I want to see structured dialogue between the Executive and the Irish Government starting now, not in July when it will be too late. Northern Ireland's economic priorities must be clearly articulated; everybody across the House must want that. Our infrastructure needs to be understood, our energy challenges should be highlighted, and our research and skills ambitions should be part of the conversation. If we do not set out our interests very clearly, others will set the agenda without us. It is particularly important for regions outside Belfast. As a representative of the north-west, I am acutely aware of the need to ensure that international engagement translates into regional opportunities. Infrastructure investment, research partnerships, cross-border services and innovation funding must not cluster in one part of the region. Strategic moments like this must benefit all parts of Northern Ireland. Can I give way to David, please?

Ireland's holding the EU presidency does not change Northern Ireland's defence arrangements. That is a distraction from the economic substance of the motion. The issues that we are raising are also about security. Economic security, energy security

and trade security are security issues as well.

I will give way to Gerry.

I will give you my stated position: we believe in Irish neutrality. We need to recognise that economic progress increasingly depends on cooperation rather than isolation. North/South collaboration is already embedded in everyday life, whether that is in energy markets, higher education, healthcare cooperation or supply chains. Strengthening cooperation is not ideological; it is practical. Improving UK-EU engagement is not a concession; it is the recognition of economic reality. The SDLP has always been clear that it believes that Northern Ireland's long-term future is best served back in Europe, as part of a new Ireland. That is our settled position. However, tonight's motion is about something immediate and practical. It is about ensuring that Northern Ireland acts strategically in a period during which European priorities are being shaped. Economic resilience does not happen by accident; it is built through planning, engagement and ambition. In a world in which geopolitical instability can quickly affect energy costs and trade flows, the regions that will succeed are those that are outward-looking and prepared. Ireland's presidency offers Northern Ireland a moment to demonstrate that we are serious about economic growth, serious about stability and serious about cooperation. The Executive should not treat the presidency as peripheral; it should be a central element of forward planning. For the sake of our businesses, our workers and our young people, we should approach the presidency with confidence and clarity. For those reasons, I ask you to support the motion.

1,089 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:00 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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