evidence: - From 1973 up to 2018 Ireland was a net recipient of over €40 billion in EU funds. The country is now a net contributor to the EU budget but the benefits of being part of the single market is estimated to be worth in excess of €30 billion. In 2022, the value of Irish exports to the EU exceeded €80 billion. [...] - Ireland's National Biodiversity Action Plan aligns with the EU Strategy to ensure Irish actions contribute to achieving broader EU goals for conservation. [...] - Ireland is part of the European Research Area (ERA), which means Irish researchers can contribute significantly to global research and development.