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EU Presidency

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Ceisteanna (58, 59)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if in the course of the forthcoming Irish Presidency of the European Union, he might seek to encourage all EU member states to refocus on the visions and objectives set out by the founding fathers of the modern Europe; if he sees an opportunity for the Irish Presidency to reawaken the laudable ideals which motivated European leaders at a time of great social and economic stress; if he will attempt to encourage the modern European leaders to follow a path of unity, mutual support and recognition of each other’s existence and position as opposed to the pursuit of ultra-nationalistic tendencies which can only result in division and strife; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25346/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which national governments throughout the EU are adequately focused on the achievement of the European project; if the growing tendency of re-naturalisation is being addressed in any great detail having particular regard to past experiences of a similar nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25668/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 197 together.

In my recent address to the Dáil to mark Europe Day, I referred to how, over the past six decades, the European Union has transformed a continent that for so long was torn apart by war and division which shattered the lives of millions and wiped out generations. Today's EU is built on the ideals set out by the founding fathers of the Union following the devastation of World War II. Based on the fundamental principles of democracy and respect for the rule of law, our Union has created peace, and it has given us a degree of prosperity, whatever we may feel about our current situation, that earlier generations of Europeans could only have dreamed of.

The EU has been good for Ireland. It has been central to our economic and social development and it has expanded our horizons. But Ireland has also made an important contribution to the development of the European Union, and I believe that we have more to offer. Our goal as Presidency will be to be an effective and efficient manager of EU business. The Presidency also provides us with an opportunity to shape policy and legislation which can have a positive impact on the lives of many. We will seek to promote measures aimed at boosting jobs and economic growth. Among the priorities emerging on that front are the importance of advancing agreement on the EU 2013-2020 budget to support the Union's efforts as a whole, promoting greater economic and social security across Europe by supporting the Europe 2020 process, and safeguarding stability through the operation of an improved and better coordinated system of economic governance. These measures will be good for Europe but also good for Ireland.

The Presidency will allow Ireland to highlight its strengths and capabilities on the world stage at a time when we are working to rebuild our positive reputation abroad. We have always seen the value in and been a supporter of the Community method because it ensures fairness to all Member States. In that regard, I agree very much with the sentiment in the Deputy's question that respect and mutual support are essential qualities among Member States in our Union. They are qualities without which we would not have made the progress we have made either as a Union or indeed as a Member State over our own forty years of membership, and they are qualities which will prove crucial to Europe's future success.

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