Written answers

Tuesday, 16 February 2010

Department of Foreign Affairs

EU Matters

9:00 pm

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken, since the ratification of the Lisbon treaty in October 2009, to keep the general public informed and fully aware of all aspects of the operations on the EU and especially those affecting Ireland. [7137/10]

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he is introducing, in addition to the citizens initiative, to make the European Union more accessible and relevant for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7302/10]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 114 together.

My Government colleagues and I are committed to the ongoing task of keeping the public informed of the operations of the EU and supporting increased engagement by our citizens with European issues. The revised Programme for Government agreed in October contains a express commitment to further enhance Ireland's place at the heart of Europe by encouraging the deepening of engagement by civil society at a European level.

There are many civil society organisations working to promote greater awareness and understanding of the European Union, and I welcome and support their efforts. The European Union institutions provide extensive public information about their work. The Lisbon Treaty contains important advancements in regard to transparency and openness which will give citizens direct access to EU information.

My own Department's Communicating Europe Initiative provides financial support to non-governmental and educational bodies for events and activities which aim to raise awareness of the EU in their community. A call for such proposals for 2010 was advertised last weekend in the national and regional press. I would encourage organisations to respond with their proposals by the deadline of 5 March. The application form is available from my Department or from our website, www.eumatters.ie , which provides easily accessible and reliable information about the EU.

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