EM Ireland Executive Director, Noelle O Connell, gave an address on the Irish experience holding a national conversation about the EU at a conference in Paris on November 8. Noelle O Connell told that Ireland’s citizens’ consultations have provided a vital forum for people across the country to have these important discussions.

Speaking at the event, Noelle O Connell, said: “After Brexit, it was clear that we in Ireland – and indeed all Member States across the EU – needed to have a debate about exactly what a reformed EU would look like. Ireland was amongst the first countries to turn this concept into reality with a series of regional Citizens’ Dialogues. We are delighted that Ireland is now being held up as an example of best practice in how to engage and consult people on the future of Europe.”

Noelle O Connell added: “While the majority of Irish people are strongly in favour of Ireland’s EU membership, we are keen to have our say in a constructively critical way. Over the course of this series of regional Citizens’ Dialogues, it was clear that Irish people want to be involved in setting the future direction of Europe and to increase both their understanding of and connection with the EU.

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