Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

It would be helpful if the motion could be passed by the Seanad today. It is important that the Chairman and other members can commence their work as soon as possible.

The most difficult aspect of the sub-committee's task will be the requirement to "consider measures to improve public understanding of the EU and its fundamental importance for Ireland's future". Most Oireachtas Members supported the referendum on the Lisbon treaty. Since its rejection, we have concentrated on ascertaining the reasons people voted "No". Some of these include confusion about the contents of the treaty such as a belief that it would lead to the introduction of conscription. However, we should bear in mind that many of those who voted "Yes" were also unclear about the contents of the treaty. Some 18% of respondents to a poll taken after the referendum said they had a good understanding of EU institutions, but the majority said they had no idea how they worked. More worrying than this lack of knowledge is the indication in the poll that most of the people surveyed have no interest in improving their knowledge. It will be a significant challenge to cross this divide. It is a question not only of how we get information to people but also how we make them interested in learning about the European Union.

Will the Minister give an indication of the funding and resources that will be made available to the sub-committee?

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