Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2017
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union remains committed to the principle of unity of purpose in respect of economic, monetary, political and social institutions notwithstanding the emergence of extreme political viewpoints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3526/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEurope has been through some difficult years. We have seen deep economic crises which have affected a number of member states, including Ireland; there have been terror attacks in some of our major cities which have caused appalling suffering for individuals and communities. The Continent has been grappling with the biggest movement of people seen in peacetime coming from our southern neighbourhood and further afield. Parties from the far-right have made electoral inroads in a number of EU states and for the first time in the Union’s history, a member state has decided to leave.
Despite these enormous challenges, Europe has not disintegrated. 27 Heads of State and Government meeting in Bratislava in September issued a declaration stating that the Union was “indispensable” for them and pledging to offer EU citizens in the upcoming months a vision of an attractive EU they can trust and support. The Future of Europe which will be on the agenda of EU Heads of State and Government meeting in Valletta on 3 February and for the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in Rome in March. Ireland will work with its partners, as a committed EU member, to bring the vision promised at Bratislava to fruition. We will succeed only if we maintain the unity of purpose to which the Deputy refers.
