Irish people trust international political institutions more than Irish institutions, but few people have a detailed knowledge of key proposals such as the EU constitution.
This is one finding of a Eurobarometer survey conducted in the wake of the publication of the Government's White Paper on the EU constitution.
The survey shows just 44 per cent of people trust the Dáil, while 42 per cent trust the Government and 32 per cent the political parties. In contrast, 57 per cent say they trust the EU while 59 per cent say they trust the UN.
Knowledge of EU institutions is high and 79 per cent of people say they have heard of the EU constitution. However, two-thirds of respondents say they have very little knowledge of the detail of its contents. Nevertheless, 48 per cent say they are in favour of the constitution with just 12 per cent opposed. Two in five people say they are undecided about the draft constitution, which remains in limbo following the French and Dutch votes against it in referendums last year.
The Eurobarometer, which was conducted by the European Commission in the spring, concludes that the Government's publication of its White Paper on the EU constitution would appear to have had little effect on Irish public opinion.
"While the White Paper is an important step, it is clear that much work needs to be done to inform Irish citizens about the European constitution," says the paper.
The survey also shows continued strong support for the EU among Irish people, with 73 per cent of respondents saying that EU membership is a "good thing". Just 7 per cent of people say membership is bad.
Irish people regard the EU as having had a positive economic effect and a positive effect on the environment, defence and foreign affairs. But just 16 per cent of people felt the EU should prioritise fighting terrorism and illegal immigration.