Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 to 15, inclusive, together.

The decision to close the National Forum on Europe has been taken against the backdrop of the current budgetary position in which the Government finds itself, and the necessity to review all areas of expenditure. Since its establishment in 2001, the forum has provided a platform for debate and discussion on Europe in Ireland. The Government acknowledges its excellent contribution over the years and wishes to put on record its appreciation of the excellent work of its chairman, Maurice Hayes.

I also want to record my thanks to the current and former members, directors and staff of the forum and its many other participants, including those on the observer pillar. The Government is fully committed to ensuring the continuation of broad debate on the nature and importance of the European Union. However, the time has come to reassess how this is best done in light of the current budgetary conditions.

The Oireachtas has demonstrated that it can be an extremely effective location for such debate, as shown most recently by the comprehensive work of the sub-committee dealing with Ireland's future in Europe. The Government has committed to engagement with the political parties over the coming period to discuss how best to ensure that the Oireachtas can take the debate forward in the coming months, when our membership of the European Union is very much in the spotlight. I believe we should build on the excellent work of the sub-committee last year, which engaged in very extensive consultation with independent experts, political parties, advocacy and lobby groups.

In addition, the Minister for Foreign Affairs is overseeing the development of a public awareness programme to improve public understanding of the European Union, how it functions and the implications and benefits of Ireland's membership. This will be developed in parallel with initiatives by the European Commission and European Parliament offices in Ireland. Expenditure by the National Forum on Europe to 31 May this year amounted to €401,817.

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