Looking back at the journey we have made, the single most important lesson learned is that the Government and elected representatives generally need to listen more carefully and respond more actively. The message on Europe must be communicated in respect of which the media as well as political leaders have a role to play. As we saw in the recent referendum, civil society must more actively engage with developments in Europe. As a nation, we must learn to become far more confident about our place in Europe, our capacity to mould the community and the significance of our involvement and contribution. We sometimes sell ourselves short. When I speak to people from other European states, I recognise the high regard in which we are held. People, who have been involved in European affairs for a long time, have considerable regard for the ability of the Irish people to deal with complex issues relating to Europe. We have always punched above our weight as a nation, but the degree of understanding Irish people have of European affairs is probably greater than we sometimes give ourselves credit for.