EU social affairs ministers to meet in Co Mayo

An informal meeting of EU Employment and Social Affairs Ministers (EPSCO) will take place in Ballina in Co Mayo today as part of the EU Presidency programme.

There is a significant Garda presence in Mayo, as European ministers, representatives of the European Commission, the European Social Partners and European civic society organisations gather in the town for the event.

Chaired by the Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, those in attendance will discuss shared employment and social policy priorities across the EU.

Discussions will also include reducing poverty and making society more inclusive, especially for disabled people.

The group will meet at a local secondary school to discuss issues that the minister has said "impact directly on European citizens' lives".

A discussion on the changing world of work will also be chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon.

The gathering will seek to prepare for formal EPSCO Council meetings later in the year.