Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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143. To ask the Taoiseach the extent to which he and his European Union colleagues have studied the growth of euroscepticism throughout each country in the European Union, with particular reference to the need to address such issues, which may be further exacerbated by a possible British exit, which could culminate in further erosion of the European project; if serious efforts are being made to counter the propaganda of those who would seek to return modern Europe to a former era. [8671/15]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The financial and economic crisis from which Europe is now emerging has unavoidably impacted on the public confidence of citizens across the EU. It is therefore unsurprising that support for those parties that question the European project should increase. However, despite the very difficult circumstances in which last year’s European parliament elections were held, a substantial majority of the electorate endorsed pro-EU parties and candidates.

The Government will, of course, continue to work alongside the Governments of fellow EU Member States and the EU institutions to address the concerns of European citizens. We are strongly supportive of efforts to spur investment, growth and job creation and better ensure financial and political stability for the Union, and these issues are at the top of the EU agenda.

Late last year a new European Commission was appointed, headed by President Jean Claude Juncker, as well as a new President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, and a new High Representative, Federica Mogherini. These new appointments have presented an opportunity to refocus the work of the institutions and to strengthen engagement with the public. To date, the new leaders of the institutions are doing just that, with President Juncker in particular making good on his commitment to develop a Commission which ‘’does things differently and does different things’’ and which is ‘’more ambitious on big things and more modest on little things’’.

In Ireland, the Government is also committed to building public understanding and knowledge about our membership of the EU. This includes targeted spending on EU engagement, including support for the activities of local community groups and non-governmental organisations through the Communicating Europe Initiative. The Department also works closely with the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Information Office in Dublin to improve communications on EU issues in Ireland and promote greater understanding of the EU.

Continued UK membership of the EU is of obvious importance, not just for the European project itself but also for Ireland and our excellent relationship with Britain. Although a decision about membership is ultimately for the British people and government to take, we are doing all we can to make the case for the UK to remain firmly within the Union. Both I and other members of the Government have already outlined our views very clearly on this and we will continue to engage with our UK counterparts at both political and official level. Our Ambassador in London and his team are also very actively engaged on the issue.