Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

To celebrate unity and long-term peace with the objectives of integration and democratic co-operation were the objectives of Europe Day and of Robert Schuman in particular with his declaration in 1950. These are very noble objectives which are essential to underpin the coalescence and co-operation of European countries over the past 75 years. A bugbear of mine is the focus on, and at times an obsession with, economic endeavours. The Schuman Declaration came about in 1950, bringing peace to Europe. It was unpinned by the process of negotiation over coal and steel, with the end result that there would not be warfare and to achieve peace through an economic background. It was quite risky at the time but it has been successful. Ireland has been a grateful and significant beneficiary of its involvement in the European project. However, like any good project, whether family, business, school, community or island group, everything should be subject to review, re-evaluation and consultation with communities. I heard others refer to consultation and communities, and, as the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, Deputy Connolly, would say, the importance of going back to them and consulting them.

I know from the Europe Day website of the many activities over this week. The ECB, the Commission, the Parliament and different agencies have exhibitions, roadshows, etc., but the offering here, unless I missed it, is quite limited. I spoke about consultation and community. I detect there is a little scepticism coming in because of a lack of understanding. I must credit the Oireachtas Library and Research Service. The documents and supports available to us on different issues are absolutely fantastic. We possibly take them for granted. When I go back to Meath East and we have different conversations, perhaps on the doorsteps or when people approach me on the street, I note a gap in the level of understanding and awareness. I wonder about education. It could be through schools, when our MEPs return, which would offer an opportunity to give information on Europe Day and on the legal framework and things like why we transpose directives and what are the different pieces of legislation, what they go through, whether they are directly transposed and if there is a debate here . We could use it as an opportunity for education. That may help dispel some of the scepticism that is creeping in. Some of it is warranted and some of it is not. However, we are in the space of disinformation and misinformation. Knowledge is power and where people have more information there is more understanding.

I would definitely advocate that we go back to communities, maybe through the roadshow format or through the local authorities, and begin that piece. Back 45 or 50 years ago in primary school there was such a subject as civics. At the time it was the EEC that we learned about. It is a particular area of interest.

Not to duplicate but on Mercosur, there is the issue of balance for all member states. There are huge advantages to some but there has to be a balance to others. It is a massive piece in respect of food security and stability, disease control, health and migration, another essential piece. From an understanding and fairness perspective, through all of the European endeavours, we retain and celebrate our Irish heritage. There should not be a dumbing down, whether through integration or otherwise. We must retain our Irishness. Equally, we respect the heritage and culture of other people we encounter throughout the European project.

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