Press statement issued by Government Press Office
Sunday, 26th January 2014
Strong Irish presence in the staffing of the EU important for Ireland and Europe– Donohoe
Minister to visit third-level institutions as part of EU Jobs campaign to build awareness of EU career opportunities
Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, has today (Sunday) highlighted the importance of maximising awareness among Irish graduates and jobseekers about the opportunities that are available within the EU institutions and to support them through the application process to increase their chances of securing available jobs.
Minister Donohoe went on to say that Ireland has always been well represented in the staffing of the EU relative to our size, with many of the top posts currently held by Irish men and women. However, a significant proportion of the most senior Irish staff in EU institutions will reach retirement age within the next decade.
“Maintaining a strong Irish presence in the staffing of the EU institutions is an important priority. The EU institutions develop policies that have a direct impact on Ireland, so having people who understand Irish concerns and interests in key strategic roles is in all of our interests. This is just as essential for the EU institutions themselves, who aim to reflect, and benefit from, the diversity of backgrounds and experiences that exist across the 28 Member States.
“That is why the Government is engaged in the EU Jobs Ireland campaign, the aim of which is to increase the number of Irish applicants applying for and securing posts in the EU.
“Starting tomorrow, and over the coming months, I will be travelling around the country visiting colleges and speaking at EU Jobs Ireland Seminars. I will be doing this with a view to directly engaging with an important target audience; students and graduates.
I look forward to meeting and talking with the future workforce and outlining the potential that exists for future careers in Europe.”
Background information:
Minister Donohoe will be visiting UCD at 13:00 and Trinity College Dublin at 18:00 on 27 January to address students and graduates. The Minister will be joined by representatives of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, the European Parliament Information Office and European Movement Ireland. Further visits will take place in March.
EU Jobs Campaign: Coordinated by the Department of An Taoiseach, the campaign works to raise awareness of the opportunities available to graduates and jobseekers and to provide them with essential information and advice about the wide range of jobs that are available. www.eujobs.ie