The need to "re-image Europe" would be given priority during the Irish presidency of the EU, the European Affairs Minister, Mr Dick Roche, said.He was speaking on the Bill to ratify in Irish law the accession of 10 new countries to the Union. The Bill passed all stages.
Mr Feargal Quinn (Ind) said he was afraid of what was going to happen to public opinion in this country when it became clear that Ireland had become a net giver to the EU rather than a taker from it.
The opportunity which 30 years of membership had offered to deepen Ireland's ties with its European partners and to build up a European consciousness which would be quite separate from the economic benefits had been largely ignored, he said.
For him the arguments for being a part of Europe were as strong as ever when the economic considerations were taken away.
"But when I see how dominant the economic argument has been in forming our attitudes over the past 30 years, I have a real concern that public opinion will in fact be ready to make that shift." Mr Roche said Ireland stood to gain much from a greatly expanded market place, with more than 100 million new consumers. Assured and free access to that market would bring substantial opportunities.
"As long as Ireland remains competitive and productive, we will continue our success in attracting foreign industry and developing indigenous companies. Ireland will also gain from the further investment expansion which will take place in the European marketplace when these countries join. This is no zero- sum game," he added.