Responding to the disappointing closure of the National Forum on Europe, Anna Visser, Director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland, expressed concern that this closure is the latest in a long line of decisions that undermine and stifle the quality of Irish democratic debate. 2009 is a critical year for Ireland’s engagement with Europe.
In the context of the upcoming elections and second Lisbon Treaty referendum and as the government develops its plans to promote 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Exclusion, now more than ever we need informed and inclusive debate on Ireland’s role in Europe. Further information is available at: www.eapn.ie.