Minister Calleary in Strasbourg for plenary session of the European Parliament

• This week’s meetings form an important part of Ireland’s preparations for its 2026 EU Council Presidency
• Minister to meet Irish MEPs to discuss LEADER and Irish language promotion

Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary T.D., is in Strasbourg for a series of high-level discussions with the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL), the Parliament’s lead committee on employment and social policy.

This morning (Tuesday), Minister Calleary met with Rafael Benitez, Director of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, where he reiterated Ireland’s view that the Council of Europe remains a key European institution safeguarding human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Calleary said:

“The European Social Charter remains central to protecting socio-economic rights across Europe, and Ireland will continue to play a leading role in strengthening the system, enhancing compliance and supporting member states in meeting their social rights obligations”

The visit forms part of Ireland’s preparations for its upcoming EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2026. Minister Calleary will outline Ireland’s commitment to prioritising a strong social Europe during its Presidency, with a particular focus on reducing poverty, strengthening social protection systems, and ensuring equal opportunities.

Later today Minister Calleary will meet with EMPL Chair Li Andersson and senior members of the European Parliament, including Irish MEPs, as part of Ireland’s preparations for its upcoming EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2026. Minister Calleary will outline Ireland’s commitment to prioritising a strong social Europe during its Presidency, with a particular focus on reducing poverty, strengthening social protection systems, and ensuring equal opportunities for all, in particular for people with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

The Minister will receive a detailed update on EMPL’s active legislative agenda, including reforms to EU social security coordination and proposals to expand the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.

Minister Calleary will meet the EP Intergroup on Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages where, in his capacity as Minister for the Gaeltacht and the Irish Language, he will engage with the group’s members on a range of issues including the Government’s work in reinforcing the role of Irish as the community language of the Gaeltacht as well as its promotion at national level, including efforts to enhance the use of Irish in public services in Ireland. He will also discuss the Government’s endeavours in supporting the status of Irish as an official EU language.

The Minister will also meet Commissioner McGrath to discuss data protection in the welfare system, combatting organised welfare fraud and the rights of persons with disabilities.

On Wednesday, Minister Calleary will meet Irish MEPs to discuss a range of issues including LEADER funding in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the European Union’s long-term investment budget, that is now entering an intensive negotiation phase between the European Council and the European Parliament.

Commenting in Strasbourg, Minister Calleary said:

“I am delighted to be back in Strasbourg for a plenary sitting of the European Parliament. I’m looking forward to a full schedule of meetings with counterparts to discuss important issues such as quality jobs, child poverty and support for employment of people with disabilities, while preparing for our own presidency of the EU next year. I see the importance on a resilient social shield, as part of a strong, secure and competitive Europe.”

“I’m particularly looking forward to engaging with our Irish MEPs on issues such as LEADER funding which, as we know, is a key enabler of community led local development, supporting economic development, job creation and enhancing quality of life in rural Ireland.”