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Gormley launches new phase of Europe Direct Centres in Ireland

19/06/09

‘EU Direct raises awareness of how the European Union affects the lives of its citizens’

Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, T.D., today (19th June) launched the new phase of Europe Direct Centres in Ireland, at Dundalk Library.

An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (The Library Council) have been awarded a new four year contract to operate EU Direct centres in seven library authorities across Ireland, including a dedicated Irish language centre in Carraroe, Co. Galway.

The Minister said, “It is a great compliment to An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, and indeed the public library service in general”, that this contract had been awarded.
He added that, “This initiative is about raising awareness in a real and tangible way of how the European Union affects the lives of its citizens. These additional centres will increase the general level of understanding of EU priorities and activities among the general public in Ireland.”

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, T.D.

Minister Gormley said that he looked forward to a more informed and enlightened approach to EU affairs. “This initiative should help stimulate public debate about EU policies, enable the work of the European Union to become more relevant and responsive to the needs of its citizens and bring Europe to an even wider audience”.

He stated that, “In a highly competitive global market, our relationship with the EU is a key element in our ongoing ability to attract inward investment. Our membership of the Union is, and will be, a vital component of our path to economic recovery.”

The Minister concluded by congratulating all those who were and are going to be involved in furthering the European Direct initiative over the next four years.

ENDS

Note for Editors
Public libraries around the country have taken on a valuable new role - to provide easy, personalised access to EU information to everyone. People who need in depth information about Europe, can get help from regional Europe Direct Information Centres (or 'relays') can help, where they will find trained staff, a wide range of documentation and multimedia information, and facilities to put them in touch with full-time help desks manned by English-speaking experts.

The information centres also provide free phone access to a live Q&A service, free PC access to email questions and browse EU online services and expertly trained staff ready to discuss your questions about Europe and what it does.

Media queries:
Press and Information Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638  (direct)
(01) 888 2000
E-Mail: press-office@environ.ie
Web site: www.environ.ie

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