Citizens of the North and West EU constituency are to be given an opportunity to contribute to the development of the European Union’s Social Policy in a series of workshops to be held in January and early February.

Organised by Independent MEP Marian Harkin with the support of the European Parliament and European Commission, the meetings are designed to provide an opportunity for individuals and organisations to put forward their ideas on how the citizens of the EU can benefit in future from the Union’s Social Policy.

“One of the great benefits for Ireland since becoming members of the European Union has been the development of the equality agenda and support for the disadvantaged in the community”, Marian Harkin said.  As an extension of this line of policy, the European Commission would launch a new social agenda in 2008 which would be designed to respond to the needs and aspirations of European citizens in the years ahead, she said.

In seeking the participation of the public, the EU was signalling that it was concerned to progress its social programme with the active involvement and consent of the people, she said.  “From carers’ to social justice, from ageism to jobs for young people, and from disability issues to equal opportunities, social policy encompasses a huge range of issues”, Marian Harkin said.

“For me the core question is, how can the E.U. add value and now that the European Commission has asked for our views it is an opportunity to have your voice heard”, she said.  She urged interested individuals or groups to participate in the workshops which are to be held in: Ennis, Galway, Claremorris and Manorhamilton

People interested in participating are asked to contact the office of Marian Harkin MEP, 28 Emmet Place, Union Street, Sligo.  Ph: 071-9145888 or 9145890.