Minister Byrne continues nationwide engagement as part of Conference on the Future of Europe

Minister of State of For European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, has this week continued his nationwide engagement as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe. This week, Minister Byrne met with Travellers Organisations and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, who represent residents of Ireland’s offshore islands, to discuss the future of the EU.

Over the summer months, the Minister met with LGBTQ+ organisations, members of Comhairle na nÓg, participants of Gaisce-The President’s Award and members of the New Irish Partnership community.

Minister Byrne will meet with representatives of Inner city communities and Gaeltacht communities over the coming weeks.

Speaking after the meetings, Minister Byrne said:

"I am delighted to be participating in these type of engagements - to hear from everyday citizens about what areas they believe the EU is doing well in and in what areas it can improve. The ideas being put forward show that people recognise the value of our EU membership and are eager to see what the EU can do more for them. So far during this process, our discussions have included proposals under the health, climate, the digital transformation and education topics amongst many others. Many of the ideas coming from these discussions contain the potential to help change the EU for the better.

"The Conference on the Future of Europe is an unprecedented and valuable opportunity for us all to make our voices heard about the future direction of our Union. I would encourage community groups, civil society groups, youth groups and individuals all over Ireland to seize this opportunity and organise an event within their community and submit their ideas and proposals to the Conference Platform (www.futureu.europa.eu)."