merrion street

• Members of Public encouraged to get involved in dialogue
• Dialogue aims to hear views of public on the European Union

Minister for European Affairs Helen McEntee has announced the schedule for the Future of Europe Citizens’ Dialogue.  The purpose of the dialogue is to engage with citizens to hear their views, opinions and insights about the European Union; so that we can help to shape a better Europe for all. Speaking about the dialogue Minister McEntee said:

“It is vital that Ireland brings its influence to bear on the future direction of the European Union. The EU is not perfect and responding to the needs and concerns of our citizens should be a priority. The EU must, therefore, look to its citizens for guidance to hear from them what they want from the EU and how they want it to work better for them.

Since this process of engagement has been initiated we have already engaged with almost 1,000 people around the country. Ireland is taking the lead in Europe with this citizens’ dialogue and many other EU countries are now looking at how this process will work here.

I am committed to ensuring that voices are heard, so the format for the dialogues will be similar to the very successful citizens’ assembly. This will allow for real engagement, debate and views to be aired in a constructive manner that will help to inform Government about how the European Union could work better for its citizens.

The first Citizens’ Dialogue will take place in Galway in the Aula Maxima in NUIG. I’ll be joined at the dialogue by Noelle O’Connell, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland and Pat McDonagh CEO of Supermac’s.”

Minister McEntee concluded by saying:

“Those who are unable to attend the dialogues themselves can make submissions online at www.dfa.ie/eu and I would encourage individuals, organisations and other interested parties to make submissions. People who wish to attend should register by emailing futureofeurope@europeanmovement.ie ”