People across Connacht and Ulster highlight key issues for the future of Ireland in the EU as part of online Conference on the Future of Europe meeting
For immediate release
28 July 2021: People across Connacht and Ulster met online on Thursday, 24 June to discuss issues of importance to them as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, a Europe-wide initiative to involve people in Ireland and across Europe in a debate about the EU’s future challenges and priorities,
During the discussion, participants discussed key issues for the future of Ireland, the EU more broadly after the recent challenges provided by Covid-19 and Brexit including health care, climate change, global relations, the EU economy and the digital transformation.
People in Connacht and Ulster called for accessible health care for all citizens, particularly those most vulnerable in society in the midst of great disparity with regard to the impact of Covid-19 on people across the country and globally. People taking part also highlighted the worrying impacts of Brexit on people in Ulster in many areas including legal protections for EU citizens, the economy and health care and called for continued support from the EU in the months and years ahead, with a focus on the specific needs of cross-border communities.
European Movement Ireland CEO, Noelle O Connell, said: “Our Connacht / Ulster Online Panel as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe provided a great opportunity for people who care about the future of Ireland in the EU to engage in a meaningful, open discussion from a variety of different perspectives and cultural backgrounds. It is key that we engage people from all corners of Ireland in this process and that a diverse range of voices are shared and heard. It was particularly key in this discussion to hear from people across Ulster about the impacts of Brexit on their communities. We’re grateful that people are willing to share their time to engage in this process. It is a unique opportunity where people can have their voice heard on future opportunities and challenges facing Europe.”
Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, addressed attendees at the start of the Connacht / Ulster online Conference on the Future of Europe panel discussion.
The panel discussion was organised by European Movement Ireland supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs as part of a series of similar such events being organised virtually around the country as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
You can submit your ideas for the Conference on the Future of Europe, through English nó trí Ghaeilge, on the multilingual digital platform here today, or to conference@europeanmovement.ie.
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Press Queries: Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh, Head of Communications and Education, European Movement Ireland | 087 9503539 | E: lisa@europeanmovement.ie
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Notes:
- Contact Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh to arrange for interview / comment – details as above.
- Tá urlabhraithe Gaeilge ar fáil le hagallaimh a dhéanamh leis na meáin Gaeilge;
- About European Movement Ireland: Founded in 1954, European Movement (EM) Ireland is the longest established Irish NGO working on European affairs. An independent, not-for-profit, membership organisation, EM Ireland works to develop the connection between Ireland and the European Union. We facilitate links between all sectors of Irish society and the EU, through advocacy campaigns, education programmes, training courses, information briefings and networking events.
- European Movement Ireland is a key organisation involved in engaging with Irish citizens as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe in Ireland. European Movement Ireland’s work involves regularly engaging in conversations about Europe with people living in Ireland. EM Ireland’s core work is to ensure that citizens have the tools to engage with the EU and European issues. Read more about the Conference on the Future of Europe