Two thirds trust European Parliament

Almost two thirds of Irish people trust the European Parliament, a survey found today.

Energy and environmental policy should be more closely tied to the European Union, the European Commission study also discovered.

The Eurobarometer research added that crime and health care were among the most important issues for the public.

Martin Territt, director of the Commission office in Ireland, said: “Member states cannot cope with the challenges of today or of the future on their own. The latest survey shows a clear mandate from the Irish people to act on many levels.

“The continued public confidence in the EU institutions is clear.”

The statistics were gathered last month as part of the six-monthly update on changing attitudes across the union.

The Government is planning to publish legislation for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, but a decision has yet to be made on exactly when the poll will be held.

The treaty will change the way the EU governs itself, envisaging an EU president and the scrapping of many national vetoes. It will also expand Europe’s role in areas like disaster relief and development aid.

It has to be ratified in all 27 member states before it can come into force.

A newspaper opinion poll published last weekend indicated that nearly two thirds of voters have yet to decide how to vote in the planned referendum.

Only 12% of people believe they have a satisfactory knowledge of what is in the treaty.

The research said unemployment and rising inflation were of prime concern in the other member states.