Minister Noel Treacy, T.D., welcomes support for the EU and the European Constitution

SUPPORT FOR EU AND EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION VERY ENCOURAGING

Minister Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for European Affairs

Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for European Affairs has today welcomed the findings of a Eurobarometer survey, which shows that Irish people are the most enthusiastic members of the EU.

According to the survey, 86% of Irish people feel that membership if the European Union brings significant benefits – the highest percentage in the EU.

The survey also shows that support for the European Constitution in Ireland has increased by 4 percentage points to 58% since the last survey, while, interestingly support for the Constitution in France and Holland, who have rejected it, stands at 67% and 62% respectively.

“The data emerging from this latest EU barometer poll clearly shows how strongly pro-EU Irish people continue to be. We have benefited immeasurably from our involvement over the last 43 years and as one of the smaller members, have punched far above our weight in terms of securing the benefits that have contributed considerably to our outstanding economic success. This was again apparent last week, with the newly agreed EU budget, 2007-2013, which is an extremely good deal for Ireland, in an EU, that is undergoing rapid changes.

I particularly welcome the significant increase in support for the European Constitution in Ireland, which remains in the Government's view, the best way forward for the future of an enlarging EU”, concluded Minister Treacy.

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20th December 2005