Ieren zien EU-lidmaatschap als zeer positief (en)
Some 87 percent of Irish people consider that Ireland has benefitted from EU membership, according to a new survey conducted for the European Commission - the highest such score to be recorded among any of the 27 member states.
The Irish Times reports that a Eurobarometer survey, released on Wednesday (30 January), shows that 74 percent of Irish citizens view EU membership positively while only six percent believe membership of the bloc to be something negative.
The results are likely to be seen as boost for the government, which is currently drawing up legislation to have a referendum on the EU treaty.
As the only EU country to do so, Dublin is under great pressure to secure a vote in the referendum, expected sometime before the summer.
But although they are positive about EU membership, uncertainty about the EU treaty is high.
A recent opinion poll published by the Irish Times suggested that nearly two thirds (64%) of the electorate are undecided on the issue.
The same poll show 26 percent in favour of the treaty and 10 percent intending to vote against.