Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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556. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Euro scepticism has featured in any discussions at European Union Council level, or otherwise, with particular reference to addressing the extent to which Euro scepticism is likely to obstruct the European project; if any particular emphasis has been placed on the inevitability of negative consequences for the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15686/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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557. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts continue to be made to address issues of Euro scepticism within the European Union, which if left unchecked will inevitably lead to a diminution of the influence of the European Union, with consequences for Member States and particularly the smaller Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15687/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 556 and 557 together.

As the Deputy is aware, citizens' trust and confidence in the EU and its institutions has been negatively affected by the depth and duration of the financial and economic crisis in the Union and its Member States.

It is welcome therefore that the evidence suggests that Europe is now emerging from this deep and protracted recession. 2015 is the first year since the onset of the crisis in which all Member State economies are expected to record growth. That said, it is clear that much remains to be done by Member States to support investment, growth and job creation and to ensure that the current recovery is truly sustainable.

This has been and will continue to be the key focus of the Government, both nationally and working with our EU colleagues in the Member States and the institutions.

President Jean-Claude Juncker has highlighted as his key tasks the need to rebuild bridges in Europe after the crisis; to restore European citizens' confidence; to focus the Union's policies on the key challenges ahead for our economies and for our societies, and to strengthen democratic legitimacy on the basis of the Community method. These are goals which we fully share and support.

Here at home, the Government is committed to developing and increasing public understanding and knowledge about our membership of the EU and its benefits. 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. We also work closely with the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Information Office in Dublin to improve communications on EU issues in Ireland and to promote greater understanding of the EU.

It is also noteworthy that, notwithstanding the very difficult circumstances in which last year's European parliament elections were held, a substantial majority of the electorate supported pro-EU parties and candidates.