Dan Neville
Ceist:14 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent eurobarometer findings that indicate that only 30% of people here had heard of the recent convention on a constitutional treaty. [30404/03]
Vol. 577 No. 1
14 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent eurobarometer findings that indicate that only 30% of people here had heard of the recent convention on a constitutional treaty. [30404/03]
27 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the recent departures from the terms of the Stability and Growth Pact in the EU is likely to have wider implications affecting the various European Treaties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30462/03]
48 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the decisions made at the November 2003 two day meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Naples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30509/03]
63 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the current Intergovernmental Conference will complete its work under the Irish Presidency of the European Union. [30422/03]
64 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on progress to date at the Intergovernmental Conference; and the current and future proposals the Government has or will put forward for changes to the convention draft. [30421/03]
65 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent reports that the President of the European Commission has stated that the draft European Constitution is being undermined and weakened due to excessive compromise at the Intergovernmental Conference. [30418/03]
82 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date by the Intergovernmental Conference; if he expects the negotiations on a new draft EU treaty to conclude during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30492/03]
134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's likely position on the future of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30666/03]
135 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if all EU countries are observing the spirit and letter of the treaties, with particular reference to the evolution of the European concept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30667/03]
136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the EU, in terms of cohesion and integration, is proceeding as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30668/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 27, 48, 63, 64, 65, 82, 134, 135 and 136 together.
It is disappointing that the eurobarometer findings indicate that only 30% of Irish people have heard of the work of the European Convention. The convention made significant headway towards making the European Union's treaties simpler and more accessible. It is, however, encouraging that, in the same poll, 71% of Irish people said that they intend to read the new treaty now being considered by the Intergovernmental Conference. It is important that people inform themselves in this way. The Government will continue to work to foster public debate, including through the national forum on Europe.
The Intergovernmental Conference is now in the final stages of its work. It is clear that many of the excellent recommendations made by the convention in simplifying the treaties and incorporating the Charter of Fundamental Rights, making it clearer to the citizen who does what and at what level. I would, therefore, not agree with those who contend that the work of the convention is being undermined. There are a number of outstanding issues to be addressed in the Intergovernmental Conference. However, with the right political will, I believe that these can be resolved in the meeting in Brussels which will begin tomorrow.