Govt. Abolishing Forum on Europe

From the Government Press Office

Forum on Europe to Close

The Government has decided to close the Forum on Europe, and to engage with the political parties to ensure that a broad-based debate on the European Union and Ireland’s membership continues within the ambit of the Oireachtas.

The decision to close the National Forum on Europe has been taken against the backdrop of the current budgetary situation in which the Government finds itself, and the necessity to review all areas of expenditure.

Since its establishment in 2001, the Forum has provided a platform for debate and discussion on Europe in Ireland. The Government acknowledges the excellent contribution it has made. However, the fact that it has provided a good focus for debate does not automatically mean it should continue indefinitely.

The Government is fully committed to ensuring the continuation of broad debate on the nature and importance of the European Union.

The Oireachtas has demonstrated that it can be an extremely effective location for such debate, as shown most recently by the comprehensive work of the Sub-Committee on Ireland’s Future in Europe (SCIFE).

In taking the decision to close the Forum, the Government has committed to engagement with the political parties over the coming period to discuss how best to ensure that the Oireachtas can take this work forward in the coming months, when our membership of the European Union is very much in the spotlight and building on the excellent work of the SCIFE. The SCIFE engaged in very extensive consultation and presentations by independent experts, political parties, advocacy and lobby groups during its work last year.

In addition, the Minister for Foreign Affairs is overseeing the development of a major public awareness programme to improve public understanding of the European Union, how it functions, and the implications and benefits of Ireland’s membership. This will be developed in parallel with initiatives by the European Commission and European Parliament offices in Ireland.

9h April 2009
Ends

This is a very disappointing development.  The Government has repeatedly stressed the importance of Europe to Ireland and the importance of the Lisbon Treaty to the people of Ireland and it now goes and abolishes the Forum on Europe.  This is a sad day for democracy and it will be seen, not as a cost saving measure but as the stifling of discussion on Europe.  They will not be rewarded for it.

Shame on the Government.  Shame.