Students in NUIG will have an opportunity to make their views known to the European Commission on the future of Social Policy in the EU on Thursday afternoon of this week.

As part of a series of consultation meetings organised by Marian Harkin Independent MEP for the North and West, students will be able to have their say on issues as wide ranging as Health, Youth Policy, Carers' Equality Agenda, Volunteering, Quality of life, Disability etc, indeed any issue that comes within the remit of Social Policy.

"We often hear of the democratic deficit- the sense that decisions taken in Brussels have nor real connections with peoples' lives. This is an opportunity to bridge that gap. The European Commission will be drafting legislation in these areas and they are looking for the views of citizens-they have said they are listening. I have organised consultation seminars all over the North and West to give people an opportunity to speak and to be heard", Marian Harkin concluded.