Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Neale Richmond T.D. is joining his fellow Ministers with responsibility for employment and social affairs at today’s meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council in Brussels.
The European Commission will be represented at the meeting by Ms. Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President for Democracy and Demography and the Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Mr. Nicolas Schmit.
This formal meeting of the EPSCO Council is the first held under the Swedish Presidency and will be chaired by Mr. Johan Pehrson, Minister for Employment and Integration.
Commenting on the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council Minister Richmond said:
“It is an honour to represent Ireland today at my first EPSCO Council meeting and to meet my European counterparts. I look forward to contributing to the discussions and to hearing from our Ukrainian colleagues who are attending. As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its second year, it is timely that we are discussing how to best address some of the challenges faced by Ukrainians trying to rebuild their lives and integrate into their new homes across Europe.”
Employment and social affairs Ministers will have an exchange of views on the employment and social situation in the EU, with a particular focus on the labour market situation of temporarily displaced persons from Ukraine, as well as on the European Semester 2023, with a focus on competitiveness and skills.
ENDS
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance. The Department has lead responsibility for Irish policy on global trade and inward investment and a remit to promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.
For further information please contact Press Office, D/Enterprise, Trade and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200
If you no longer wish to receive emails from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Press Office, please notify us by email to press.office@enterprise.gov.ie