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EU Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2014

Thursday, 3 April 2014

Questions (17, 44)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, arising from any appraisal of developments within the EU of a political, economic, social or structural nature, measures have been taken or are ongoing with a view to addressing the nationalistic trends currently emerging in some European countries which may result in permanent damage to the European project and divergence from the concept and vision of Europe's founding fathers, with particular reference to the growth of euroscepticism as a replacement for the European project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15401/14]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union remains committed to the principle of unity of purpose in respect of economic, monetary, political and social institutions, notwithstanding the emergence of extreme political viewpoints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15891/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 44 together.

The widely perceived rise in support for parties at the edges of the political spectrum is a matter of some concern. But I do not believe that it is divorced from other major preoccupations across Europe as we emerge from the severe and very long economic crisis. This may well have contributed to a sense of detachment from the EU, which people appear to believe not to have delivered for them. This democratic deficit also impacts on support for domestic governments.

The subject is particularly topical ahead of elections to the European Parliament. I am sure we have a shared hope to see some improvement in the trend of voter turnout for European elections come the end of May. This Government will certainly work to ensure that the values and benefits of Europe are part of the electoral debate. The key to addressing these citizens' concerns, of course, is to start with the biggest challenge which is the enormous numbers unemployed across Europe and particularly in Ireland.

Recovery in the real economy is critical: we need to see firms expanding their activities and creating new jobs, including new firms in new growth areas. Managing the economic crisis and supporting the recovery has been and remains the key focus of the European Council and the EU institutions more widely. That includes agreeing to the multi-annual budget, front loading funds for youth employment, increasing the EIB's lending capacity and redirecting its focus to play a greater role in relation to SMEs where most jobs will come from. Stabilising the banking system so that the economy can start to function effectively again is also a priority. And it is worth noting that economic conditions across Europe are improving, albeit much slower than we would like. Last year saw GDP in both the EU and euro area back in positive territory for the first time since late 2011. And net job creation has now resumed in most Member States. In Ireland, we have seen very welcome progress for a sustained period on the jobs front.

In terms of what Europe can do to create the environment which will see employment growth, I think the focus has to be on the pragmatic: completing the single market, including in services and the digital single market, and improving the opportunities for trade – something which particularly benefits open economies such as our own. The Government will be working with our partners to ensure that is where Europe and the incoming leadership of Europe concentrate their efforts in the coming years.

Question No. 18 answered with Question No. 6.
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