30/01/2008

Three-Quarters Support EU Membership

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Irish people look on membership of the European Union as positive - according to a Eurobarometer survey.

The survey just released by the European Commission has claimed a mere six per cent regard EU membership as negative. However, there has been a drop in support for membership since support 1997 when 82% of people supported membership.

According to Wednesday's report, Ireland has the highest level of support for EU membership in Europe - with 87% of Irish people believing that Ireland has benefited from EU membership.

The poll also shows nearly two-thirds of people trust the European Parliament and over 60% of Irish voters believe Government energy and environmental policy should be more closely tied to the European Union.

The research also highlighted that crime and health care were the most important issues for the Irish public.

The director of the EC office in Ireland Martin Territt said: "The latest survey shows a clear mandate from the Irish people to act on many levels".

The Government has yet to make a decision on when to hold the vote- an announcement of a date is expected within weeks and has to be ratified in all 27 member states before it can come into force.

(VB)

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