Edited summary of remarks by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, at the Eiropean Council in Brussels, 15 October 2008
At national level, we are working with the European Commission to develop more effective communication.
But it is also something we should consider more broadly across the Union.
Lack of knowledge and information both contributed to, and was reinforced by, a growing sense of disconnect from, and perceived loss of influence in, the EU.
This is something that must concern us all. A Union where the citizens feel detached or disconnected is not a fully effective Union.
I believe we need to reflect on this, to see if we have are getting the right balance between efficiency and effectiveness.
Third, a number of issues - some quite general, others more specific - gave rise to very real concerns in the minds of our electorate. We cannot simply dismiss the anxieties surrounding them.
They were genuinely felt, and must be examined, understood and addressed.
That, I believe, is our duty as democrats.
Following the publication of the survey results, we established a Parliamentary Committee on Ireland's future in the Union. This committee is examining the issues that arose during the campaign, including the concerns highlighted by the survey, and how they sit in the broader context of our EU membership.
My own assessment thus far is that the issues of most concern during the referendum campaign included:
· the future composition of the Commission;
· issues related to defence and our tradition of neutrality;
· social/ethical matters; and
· taxation.
I am extremely mindful that there are important milestones in the course of 2009 which require clarity at an early date. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that we can overcome the uncertainty that currently
exists.
Finding an acceptable resolution to our Lisbon dilemma is a task which my Government is clearly focused on. We must get this right.
It has been made clear that our partners have no wish to renegotiate the Lisbon Treaty. At the same time, I must also be clear that we will have to obtain a satisfactory response to Irish concerns if we are to find an acceptable way forward.
I fully understand the anxiety across the Union to bring the Treaty reform process to a conclusion. I accept that the desire for a stronger, more cohesive and more effective Union has increased significantly in light of recent political and economic developments. That is the kind of Union that Ireland also wants.
I do not wish to underestimate the difficulties we face in finding a way forward that will meet the needs of all 27 Member States, but I am determined that our combined efforts will succeed.
Notwithstanding the very real challenges we face, I am conscious of the Union's record in finding collective and inclusive solutions to past setbacks. Its core spirit of solidarity has prevailed - I believe it can again.
