The implications of what it means to be a European citizen were debated at the National Forum on Europe yesterday as it marked its fifth anniversary.
The debate on European Citizenship: Rights and Responsibilities came after the chairman, Senator Maurice Hayes, told a gathering to celebrate the anniversary the previous evening that Ireland was leading the way in connecting Europe with citizens.
"I think it is fair to say that Ireland, through the efforts of the Government and the political parties in the Oireachtas, is at the cutting edge of what is being done across Europe to create dialogue, debate and connection," he said.
In five years, the forum had issued six reports; held nearly 70 plenary meetings, and 60 regional meetings and conferences; created programmes geared to engage women and young people; and launched publications in plain language and an interactive website, he said.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the regular reports of the forum were a useful contribution to the development of Government policy on EU issues. "The National Forum On Europe over the past five years has played an indispensable role in fostering a broad debate in this country on the EU," he said.
Tánaiste and PD leader Michael McDowell said he believed the Irish people were concerned with both protecting specific Irish concerns and playing a vibrant role in the EU. "This Government is committed to playing a full part in the debate on the future shape of the EU."
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the forum must continue to play a role in facilitating discussion.
"A political impetus is badly needed. The Government should be promoting real, vigorous and energetic public debate regarding the provisions of the Constitutional Treaty."
Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said Europe would be built through concrete achievements: "I believe that the cause of Europe will be advanced and will command the support of the public when it concentrates on making noticeable improvements in the lives of its citizens."
Trevor Sargent, Green Party leader, stated: "The forum on Europe has been an important tool for stimulating debate on the future development of the EU and Ireland's place in it."
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said: "We believe the enlarged EU must adopt a new set of priorities, including the elimination of poverty within its borders, and reform and strengthening of the UN to advance justice and peace worldwide."
Socialist Party leader Joe Higgins said his party believed the present debate was too confined to EU structures: "The Socialist Party will continue to insist on a Europe built for workers and not in the interest of the profits of major corporations."
At yesterday's forum, Mary Davis, chairman of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship, said central to its mandate was to stimulate a "national conversation" about active citizenship.
"As Irish citizens, we are also European citizens. Our rights and responsibilities extend wider than this country and apply to other EU citizens. This ranges from voting in European elections to solidarity with members of other EU countries at times of crisis.
Jacques Kemp, of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, said that, after the referendum, it became obvious a bridge had to be built between the EU and its citizens.
The European Parliament and Council would adopt the programme "Europe for Citizens" in November with a budget of €215 million.