Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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349. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether it is time for the European Union to set up a particular structure to address the issue of euroscepticism with particular reference to the urgent need to address the sometimes exaggerated claims which if allowed to go unanswered will undermine and destroy the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32087/16]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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354. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts continue to be made to address issues of euroscepticism within the European Union which if left unchecked will inevitably lead to a diminution of the influence of the Union with consequences for member states particularly the smaller member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32092/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 354 together.

The issue of euro-scepticism is complex and multi-faceted. Obviously it arises particularly in the wake of the outcome of the UK referendum in June. Of course, I am well aware that, in individual Member States, there are those who would wish to leave the Union. However, this is not the position of any other Government or Parliament.

The European Union engages with the big issues of the day, whether they relate to stability, jobs and growth, or to challenges external and internal, such as migration and international terrorism. It is important to continue to engage with these issues at the EU level if we are serious about addressing them. They cannot be addressed at national level.

As the leaders of 27 Member States agreed on 29 June, “The EU is a historic achievement of peace, prosperity and security on the European continent and remains our common framework. At the same time many people express dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, be it at the European or national level. Europeans expect us to do better when it comes to providing security, jobs and growth, as well as hope for a better future.”

At the Summit which followed in Bratislava on 16 September, the leaders issued a Declaration and Roadmap in which they committed to a range of objectives and concrete measures along three themes: migration and external borders; internal and external security; and economic and social development, youth. The “Bratislava process” is due to conclude in March 2017 to coincide with the 60^thanniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

The Government will participate actively in this process, maintaining our particular stress on economic issues, and aiming to put the citizen at the heart of the EU agenda for sustainable investment, competitiveness, growth and jobs.