Using your direct line to the European Commission

You don't have to be in Brussels to get a good grasp of what is going on in the EU. The European Commission Representation in Ireland is an important bridge between you, the citizen, and the European Union.

Based on Dublin's Dawson Street, it is the eyes, ears and voice of the EU Commission in Ireland.

As Martin Territt, Director of the Representation (pictured above) explains: "the EU has a key role in drafting the laws and policies that shape our daily lives. This ranges from tackling the present economic crisis, to protecting the environment."

"But there is also a need for a two-way flow. As well as explaining EU Commission policy, we have to listen carefully to what citizens are saying. This is done in a variety of ways: through holding public seminars, analysing local trends or just talking to people and finding out their feelings on different issues."

Legal questions on the EU answered

The Representation's public information service allows you to call, write or drop into the office, and have your questions on the EU answered.

"Questions are always varied", Nelson Ferreira da Silva, the Public Information officer explains. "People come in asking questions ranging from travel rights in the EU, to what we are doing to tackle climate change, and yes, the Lisbon Treaty comes up a lot too. We always try to help, but if the question does not relate directly to the EU, then we try and suggest the next best course of action."

The Representation provides advice to citizens on legal matters with a European dimension. Siobhan Duffy is a solicitor and the Office's "Eurojus" consultant.

According to Siobhan, "people don't always know the legal rights they are entitled to under EU law. I get a lot of requests from pensioners who are thinking about retiring abroad to Spain or France. Naturally they have a lot of questions about transferring their pension entitlements and accessing healthcare abroad. I can answer many of their questions and help alleviate some of the stress."

A hub of information for the media

Effectively communicating with the national media is important. Martin Territt believes: "Most people consider their newspaper or TV station of choice to be a trusted source of news. However, only a few of the big Irish newsgroups have a correspondent in Brussels. The press office in the Representation is a vital link, allowing them to get the EU side of the story."

The office is also an important social and cultural forum, with exhibitions, lectures and debates happening on an almost daily basis. The European Public Space offers local organisations a free exhibition venue and conference facility to explore European themes and common interests.

In the last few months, the forum has hosted a retrospective photo exhibition entitled Prague Dublin Paris, a conference on protecting the Irish coastline and a Human Rights exhibition by Frontline Defenders.

Away from the Representation, the Commission has a number of local Europe Direct Information Centres spread throughout the country. Their experienced staff are a valuable source of advice.

Click here for your nearest Europe Direct Information Centre

Open 24/7 on the web

The website of the Representation is an important signpost for official EU sources of information relevant to Ireland. Given the number of institutions, governments, politicians and local bodies involved in making EU policy and law, this is a useful guide.

Debating forums, blogs, online consultations and petitions, all help the European Commission propose policies that citizens want, and this trend will continue into the future.

For contact information on the European Commission Representation in Ireland, go to www.euireland.ie

Tel: [phone]

Or write to:

European Commission Representation to Ireland

European Union House

18 Dawson Street

Dublin 2