Minister Noel Treacy Emphasises Government's Determination to Promote Understanding of European Constitution

The Minister for European Affairs, Mr Noel Treacy TD, has stressed that the Government is fully aware of the need to develop greater public awareness of the European Constitution.

“The European Constitution sets out very clearly the basic principles and objectives of the European Union, without changing the fundamentals.  It will help make the Union more effective in delivering for the people of Europe.  The Union is fundamentally important to Ireland's economic and social well-being  and the Constitution will consolidate that.  But I recognise that more has to be done to explain the Constitution to the public and to make its benefits clear.

The Government is taking a number of important steps to do this, building on the work which has already been done.  Well in advance of a referendum, we will be giving the Referendum Commission the time and resources it needs to do its job of explaining the issues and encouraging turnout.  The Government itself will be publishing a full White Paper and will in due course send a short explanatory document to every home.  The text of the Constitution itself will be freely available. 

I also recognise the central importance of political debate in highlighting key questions.  The National Forum on Europe has a full programme of meetings over the coming months.  The Government will be taking a leading part in debate across the country and on the airwaves and I also look forward to extensive media coverage of the issues.”

Minister Treacy concluded:  “I am convinced that a large majority of the Irish public recognise the value of the European Union.  It has been good for Ireland.  The European Constitution will strengthen our Union into the future.  I want all pro-European people, in politics and otherwise, to work together to build support for it.”

Ends.

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