The meeting organised by Marian Harkin MEP In Claremorris to discuss future EU Social Policy was a resounding success and provided many proposals to be forwarded to the European Commission.

Addressing the meeting Marian Harkin said that the European Union had developed a Social Policy which had advanced the interests of the Irish people with notable advances in the areas of equality, disability and health and safety at work.

As the European project evolved the EU was concerned to involve citizens in policy determination and the series of meetings which she was organising throughout the North and West constituency were providing many practical and necessary proposals for inclusion in future social policy, she said.

The Claremorris meeting operated on a workshop basis and, as at other meetings, there was agreement on the measures deemed to be needed to advance the interests of Irish citizens in EU Social Policy.

The main proposals covered the areas of carers, volunteering, disability, community and rural development, youth and older people, childcare, the family and the proposed reform treaty.  Considerable concern was expressed about the need to invigorate rural areas and the role of rural transport.

Rural development and community development with a focus on the needs of youth and the elderly and the structures necessary to support them were raised.  In this regard it was felt that voluntary effort had to be supported by paid management to deliver consistent and long term positive results.

Rural isolation required particular attention and concern was expressed at the reduction and elimination of services such as local post offices.  Pension problems especially for women, received detailed attention while concern was expressed that EU Social Policy should incorporate measures to support the family including a working mother allowance to assist in the early development years of the child.  

The upcoming referendum on the reform treaty was also discussed and a call was made for the provision of an easily understood publication to enable citizens to make an informed decision.