Forum on Europe scrapped due to cost despite Lisbon debate

THE Government has decided to abolish the National Forum on Europe, the body established in 2001 to promote debate on Ireland’s involvement in the EU.

The decision may appear strange to observers given that the re-run of the Lisbon referendum will take place this year and a majority of forum members support the treaty.

But pro-Lisbon campaigners believe the forum did little to help sell the treaty in the first referendum campaign — even though that was not its job.