Mary Lou McDonald welcomes funds to raise awareness of EU
Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mary Lou McDonald MEP has today welcomed the
announcement
by European Affairs Minister Noel Treacy of a scheme to
provide
local community groups with funding to promote a greater awareness
of
the EU.
The Government today announced that it was making
200,000 euros available
to encourage "positive public debate”
about the European Union and its
institutions.
Speaking
today Ms McDonald said:
“I want to welcome today’s decision by
the government to provide community
groups with funding to promote
a greater understanding of the European
Union and its functions. Any
initiative which fosters genuine debate around
the EU is welcome
and I would hope that this initiative is part of a
broader
exercise by government to communicate effective and impartial
information
regarding the EU to Irish citizens.
“Sinn Féin has long
called for a meaningful consultation with the Irish
people on this
issue. The EU plays an increasingly significant role in
Irish
political, economic and social spheres. It has been estimated that
70%
of legislation emanating from the Dail originated in Brussels.
"The
recent EU Constitution referendum results In France and the
Netherlands
highlight the significant gap between the people of Europe and
its
institutions. However, initiatives such as these must not become
propaganda
slush funds for one opinion or ideology witin the EU. If we are
serious
about bridging the democratic deficit then it must take on-board
the
thoughts and concerns of a diverse range of alternative opinions.
"Today's
announcement can act as the catalyst for wider debate about the
European
Union and its political direction and priorities." ENDS