Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree entirely with the points made by Ms Nolan. However, to what extent are the European institutions totally focused on those issues? What are the causes? What is motivating those who are Eurosceptics in all parts of Europe? Is it a case of disillusionment with all kinds of democratic politics? That is a dangerous place to go. Do they prefer government by public acclamation which is another dangerous way to go? To what extent have the European institutions identified the cause or causes of this cynicism and the scepticism across the rest of Europe?

Ms Nolan correctly identified that it is convenient for national politicians to blame Europe for everything, to walk away and say it is a European problem. The reality is that every single directive is referred back to member state governments, parliaments and institutions, for them to make the corrective measures if they wish to do so. Unfortunately, the two events are not always related and connected in the way they should be. It is a little like voting in the secrecy of the ballot box. Sometimes people detach themselves from the possible consequences - I will not go further - and we could be coming to a stage in Europe where people are about to do that. I hope the European institutions, individually and collectively, are focusing on this situation.

There will be serious consequences because every single emphasis, that I have noticed, emanating from some member states in recent years seems to demonstrate their pulling away from Europe and becoming more nationalistic in their approach. That is a pattern that Europe has followed in the past with great and severe consequences and for those who profess a faith and confidence in that kind of attitude they would be well warned in advance. I want us to ensure there is a particular focus on the issues being used by people to break up modern Europe.