Ireland believes that the Social Summit to be organised by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union in May in Porto will serve to send a “strong signal of cooperation, hope and change” to the people of Europe.

“I am very impressed by the Portuguese Presidency’s commitment to a social Europe, and we see ourselves reflected in those values, which we, indeed, all share. I think of the people of Europe, and treating people as they should be treated,” said the Irish Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, in an interview on the sidelines of a visit to Lisbon.

The Minister confirmed that the Irish government was aligned with the summit objectives and that it will “work towards guaranteeing that an agreement can be made” as to the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan proposed by the European Commission, including the suggested directive on a European minimum wage.

Such a directive has the support of Ireland, which has implemented a relatively high national minimum wage and “is very proud of that”. Ireland also expects to play a “very useful” role in the work on reaching an EU-wide agreement on this matter.

 

*in collaboration with LUSA