EU MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE for employment and social affairs are meeting today for a discussion in a solar-powered school in Co Mayo, as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency. 

Ireland assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July and will hold this position until 31 December.

Today’s informal meeting will focus on the coordination of social and employment policies within the EU, with a focus on social inclusion and policy levers that help to reduce the disability employment gap and protect worker’s rights.

The meeting is taking place in St Mary’s Secondary School in Ballina and the first working session of the day focused on addressing and preventing poverty.

St Mary’s Secondary school opened in 2022 and the use of school is said to be in keeping with the Irish Presidency’s sustainability policy.

St Mary’s Secondary school in Ballina Irish Irish

The sustainability policy, as well as taking in environmental concerns, also calls for Ireland to be “economically responsible” and to use public buildings where possible.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, who is from Ballina, will chair today’s informal meeting of EU ministers.

It’s one of the first events of the Irish EU Presidency and the “informal” format of the meeting is intended to facilitate “strategic dialogue and the exchange of perspectives” ahead of formal Council meetings in October and December.

Speaking ahead of today’s meeting, Calleary said he was “delighted to host this important informal meeting of EU ministers in my hometown”.

He added that the meeting “provides an opportunity to discuss issues that impact directly on European citizens’ lives” and that he looks forward to “hosting important conversations and to working together to drive meaningful change”.

Calleary meanwhile remarked that Co Mayo has “always been known for its warm hospitality” and that he is “really proud to have the opportunity to showcase the beauty of our region and the warmth of our people”.