Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2016
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether it is necessary, and, if so, the steps he will take, to address the issue of divergence from the European project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12370/16]
View answerThe question is open to a number of possible interpretations.
On the issue of euro-scepticism, it is complex and multifaceted, but euro-scepticism is by no means a majority position across the EU or its Member States. Governments and citizens across Europe continue to hold broadly positive views on the European Union.
Our Union’s positive image depends to a large degree on its ability to respond to the big challenges of the day in a way that commands public confidence. We must work both to ensure that the EU does its own work better and that it is better communicated to the public. The Government has worked closely with the EU Institutions and our fellow Member States to put the citizen at the heart of the EU agenda for sustainable investment, growth and job creation.
The Juncker Commission has strengthened engagement with the public and is making good on its commitment to develop a Commission which is "more ambitious on big things and more modest on little things", thus ensuring a focus on the areas where the EU can deliver value, and allowing other matters to be regulated at the national level.
On the principle of "ever closer union", the settlement agreed at the February European Council affirmed that the Treaties ''make possible different paths of integration for different Member States, allowing those that want to deepen integration to move ahead, whilst respecting the rights of those which do not want to take such a course''. This recognises that, while part of a shared union, Member States are not homogenous and cannot be treated as such.
