Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action taken at European level to address the growing strength of the Eurosceptic movement with particular reference to the funding of such organisations, their objectives and their implications for this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34369/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I had a meeting on 6 October with the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament which provided a useful opportunity to hear first-hand the concerns of MEPs from across the Union on issues related to the Lisbon Treaty. A number of MEPs also raised concerns about the funding of organisations seeking a No vote during our referendum campaign. I confirmed to the European Parliament Committee that the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) is responsible for issues connected with the funding of election and referendum campaigns here.

I am aware also that the Conference of Presidents of political groups in the European Parliament issued a statement on 25 September about the funding of those who sought a No vote during our referendum. The statement acknowledged that SIPO is the appropriate body to address these matters.

There are those across Europe who have always opposed the development of the European Union and, in our democratic societies, they have every right to argue their case. The risk for Ireland is that anything that makes it more difficult for us to retain our place at the heart of the Union is likely to be detrimental to our economic prospects. Such positions are diametrically opposed to Ireland's interests within the EU.

The Irish people have consistently shown themselves to favour full Irish engagement in the European Union. The findings of the recent research on the referendum confirms this in that, by a factor of three to one, people believe that Ireland's interests are best pursued by remaining fully involved in the EU rather than by opting to be less involved.

The study also pointed to the importance of improved communications in promoting enhanced knowledge and awareness of EU affairs. Lack of information about the Union makes it easier for opponents to spread half-truths and outright distortions about the Union's policies and intentions. The study also pointed to the importance of improved communications in promoting enhanced knowledge and awareness of EU affairs. Lack of information about the Union makes it easier for opponents to spread half-truths and outright distortions about the Union's policies and intentions. We are now looking at ways in which we can improve the manner in which European issues are communicated. We plan to work closely with the European Commission in this regard.

So called Euro-sceptic ideas, which have long existed in other countries, have not traditionally been part of our European debate and have nothing to offer us today as we seek, against a backdrop of great international economic turbulence, to preserve and build upon the great gains we have made as a member of the Union during the past 35 years.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which it is intended to formulate and co-ordinate a European response to the present impasse with regard to the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34370/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The decision of the Irish people on 12 June has been the subject of considerable discussion with our European Union partners. Most recently, last week, on 1 October, I accompanied the Taoiseach as he travelled to Paris to discuss the matter with the President of the European Council, Nicolas Sarkozy. On Monday of this week, I had a series of meetings in Brussels with Members of the European Parliament and the Commission. Next week's European Council will discuss the issue further, as agreed at the June European Council.

In all of these discussions, we have highlighted the concerns which the Irish electorate raised during the referendum campaign. We wish to see these concerns addressed in a manner which accommodates Ireland's interests and those of the other 26 Member States.

At this stage, no definitive decisions have been taken by the Government regarding the Treaty. I hope that by the December European Council we will be in a position to identify more precisely the issues that need to be addressed and to outline the next steps we intend to take. It would be premature however, at this relatively early stage, to outline the content of any possible response.