EU ministers discuss supports for more inclusive and supportive society at Mayo meeting

PRODUCTIVE discussions at the informal Mayo meeting of EU Employment Ministers have laid the foundations for a more inclusive and supportive society for all European citizens, in particular for the future of those who may be impacted by poverty and social exclusion.

Aligned with this focus was a drive to improve the access and engagement of people with disabilities in employment. The area of the protection of workers was also examined during the day-long event.

The first informal meeting under the Irish Presidency concluded yesterday in Ballina, with positive steps to address the challenges encountered throughout a lifetime because of poverty and social exclusion, and significantly the barriers which face people with disabilities engaging with the labour market. The protection of workers, while supporting fair competition and productivity, was an important feature of discussions.

Guiding the discussions on the impact of childhood poverty and the social exclusion of older people was the recently adopted EU Anti-Poverty Strategy.

EU Ministers and representatives from the Commission, the European Parliament and the European social partners reflected on the experiences of member states on measures to address these significant challenges. The session noted that to address poverty and social exclusion, social protection systems need to be agile - right policies and services directed to the right people at the right time.

Alongside social protection, it was noted that these considerations need to extend beyond income supports, into areas of housing, education and healthcare, which often deepens exclusion from society. The challenges of an ageing population across the EU were an important feature of the session.

Ministers placed a strong focus on supporting accessibility, equal participation, and the removal of environmental and organisational challenges for people with a disability accessing and participating in employment.

Separately the protection of workers, through the implementation and enforcement policies of the EU, was a topic of discussion to uphold high labour standards while protecting the competitive agenda.

Reflecting on the discussions, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said: “Our shared values are the foundation upon which our Union is built. They guide our collective efforts to strengthen our citizens’ quality of life and standard of living, to promote social inclusion and equal rights, and to increase competitiveness and fair growth.

“Productive discussions took place on effective approaches to address the challenges encountered throughout a lifetime because of poverty and social exclusion, and significantly the barriers which face persons with disabilities engaging with the labour market. The protection of workers, while supporting fair competition, and productivity was also an important feature of discussions.

“We will continue to work together to ensure that EU social protection systems, and supports meet the needs of our people, throughout their lifetime, particularly when they need us most.”

Minister of State Alan Dillon led the discussion on the enforcement of employment legislation in the world of work, noting: “As we seek to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, it is essential that this ambition continues to deliver real protections for workers across the Union.

“The discussion in Mayo provided us with an important opportunity to examine how the EU’s implementation and enforcement agenda strengthens employment rights, while also supporting business and minimising the administrative burden.

“Throughout our Presidency, we want to contribute to a Europe that is secure, competitive, and prosperous, while remaining firmly grounded in the values of the European social model.”