OPINION:European Movement Ireland's Accountability Report reveals a lot done, but more to do
FOR MANY Irish people today Europe is a distant concept; a foreign body that is increasingly perceived in a negative light.
Before 2008, during the heyday of the Celtic Tiger, nearly 70 per cent of Irish respondents to a Eurobarometer poll had a positive image of the EU. As of late 2011, this figure has nearly halved to 37 per cent. While this is worrying, it is by no means surprising.
However, in the spirit of Europe day, as we reflect on nearly 40 years of Irish membership of the EU, and with another European referendum campaign underway, now is a good opportunity for us to reflect on what it means to be Irish, and what it means to be European.
There remains a tendency here to hold Europe or Brussels responsible for everything EU-related that happens in Ireland, particularly when things are not going well here. But now is the time for us as Irish people to realise that we are Europe; that we have as much ownership and stake in the development of the EU as any of the other 26 member states.
Although in recent times the gloss has somewhat gone off Ireland in Europe, it is a widely held view that we have tended to traditionally punch above our weight on the European stage.
In light of this, the time has come for us to take ownership of our EU membership and begin to examine how we are represented at an EU level in the same way that we examine how our local TDs perform at a national parliamentary level.
According to European Movement (EM) Ireland’s Accountability Report 2011, published yesterday, Irish representatives outperform their European counterparts in several areas; specifically, the attendance of our Taoiseach and Ministers at European Council meetings.
In terms of engagement in the European Parliament, it is encouraging to see that Irish MEPs made 727 speeches in 2011, an increase of some 100 from 2010, despite last year’s backdrop of a general election and presidential election in Ireland. The figures and the findings that have emerged from EM Ireland’s analysis are hugely revealing and, I believe, crucial to our recovery.
Beyond our political leaders, the report indicates a definite need for improved engagement when it comes to Irish submissions to the European Commission’s consultation process. In 2011, Ireland’s contribution to this process was low, with our submissions averaging at 0.9 per cent of the total reviewed. This consultation process allows Irish business leaders and groups to play their part in shaping legislation so that the Irish business community can maximise the benefits of our EU membership by having their voices heard at an early stage in the formation of European legislation.
Ireland’s recovery and a return to real growth must be central to our engagement with Europe at every level. We must not forget that being a dynamic, English speaking, low-tax, competitive, well-educated country at the heart of the common market were the platforms upon which we built our previous economic success. As much as our recovery depends on economic growth, increased exports and job creation, it also hinges on our reputation and perception of “Brand Ireland” on the European and international stage.
In order to be taken seriously, we must be seen to be taking the process of recovery seriously. That is why the statistics in the accountability report are particularly heartening to see. They are part of a larger picture of recovery in which each Irish citizen has a part to play.
As another referendum campaign occupies the public mind, it is important that we the people are prepared to assume ownership of our EU membership and our representation at the European table.
Before we vote on May 31st, we each have a responsibility to inform ourselves and to be aware of the ramifications of a Yes or a No vote. This will be just one part of our collective re-engagement with Europe. By placing transparency at the heart of all political behaviour, and by holding our leaders truly accountable, Ireland will recover.
Maurice Pratt is chairman of European Movement Ireland. European Movement Ireland's Accountability Report 2011 is available to download from europeanmovement.ie