Ministers Byrne and Hackett to attend second Plenary Session of the Conference on the Future of Euro

Tomorrow, the Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett, will virtually attend the second plenary session of the Conference on the Future of Europe in Strasbourg.

The Plenary Sessions of the Conference on the Future of Europe brings together representatives from the 27 EU Member States, national parliaments, the European Parliament, the European Commission and other EU representative bodies and social partners along with ordinary citizens. Discussion within the Plenary is guided by suggestions and ideas from ordinary citizens, including those submitted through the EU’s multilingual digital platform designed especially for the Conference.

Speaking on the eve of the Conference Minister Byrne said:

"The Plenary of the Conference has a key role to play in giving ordinary European citizens a platform to express their opinions on the future direction of our Union. This weekend’s Plenary is debating and discussing topics and suggestions put forward by citizens from all across the EU on matters that are important to them. This is our second substantive meeting and represents an important milestone as all Plenary delegates finally come together to discuss the challenges facing the EU and how we can overcome them.

"Over the last number of months, I have engaged and listened to a wide range of voices within Ireland and, indeed, across Europe on issues such as climate, education, health and digital transformation. The EU is as relevant to the residents of Slane and of Sligo as it is to the residents of Strasbourg. I encourage everyone to engage with the website, or to organise and attend a Conference event in your local community. It is these ideas and suggestions that will guide our work in future plenary sessions."

Minister Hackett said:

"I welcome this opportunity to engage with our European partners on some of the key issues and challenges that affect us all as we face the future. It is vital, given how committed and proud a member of the European community Ireland is, that we contribute fully to the discussion about how the EU develops over the coming years. Consultation will be key however. Ensuring that all voices are heard in the discussions is the best way to ensure an inclusive Europe, representative of all so I hope everyone with an interest will share their views and contribute towards the continued development of our shared European home."

The Conference’s Digital Platform can be accessed at www.futureu.europa.eu.