Ballina school cast into bureaucratic spotlight as movable EU presidency feast rolls on

An informal meeting of the Council of the European Union's employment and social affairs ministers convened at St. Mary's secondary school in Ballina, Co Mayo, as part of Ireland's six-month presidency. The gathering brought together officials from the 27 member states, with local ministers Dara Calleary and Alan Dillon hosting the event.

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I think it’s important that events are held outside Dublin.

The meeting, which focused on poverty, unemployment, and improving workplace access for people with disabilities, was described as "serious business" despite its informal nature, meaning no agreed conclusions were reached. The presidency aims to hold events outside the capital, with Mayo showcasing its ability to host such international gatherings.

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I think it’s important that Mayo can show we can host events like this.

Approximately 150 delegates attended, including representatives from aspiring EU member nations like Ukraine, alongside various organizations such as trade unions and employer groups. Security was notably tight, with a small protest by pro-Palestinian activists occurring outside the school.

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Ah, they’re grand.

Minister Dara Calleary expressed a particular focus on the disability employment gap, acknowledging Ireland's "very poor disability employment gap." The presidency's agenda includes 10 priorities in the employment and social affairs area, addressing issues from housing to equal protection.

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we have a very poor disability employment gap