European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today held a National Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe to celebrate Europe Day. The event brought together civil society, government officials, representatives of Embassies and people from all over the country to discuss Ireland’s key priorities for the Future of Europe process.
The event was the culmination of a six-month process of public discussion, involving regional dialogue events in Galway, Cork, Donegal and Meath.
Commenting on the Citizens’ Dialogue process, Noelle O Connell, Executive Director of EM Ireland, said: “Engaging people in thinking about Ireland’s relationship with Europe is EM Ireland’s mission so we were delighted to partner with Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D. and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in organising this Citizens’ Dialogue series.
“What was clear from the dialogues around the country was that there is a real appetite for people to have their say on Ireland’s relationship with the EU and to have ongoing discussions on how to shape the future of the EU. Our EM Ireland / Red C poll published yesterday showed that 92 per cent of people in Ireland support remaining in the EU. It is important that we build on these dialogues and continue this interaction between the EU and its citizens.”