My Department, the Department of Social Protection is one of a number of departments that participate in the formulation of Irish positions for the EPSCO (Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs) Council of the European Union.
Prior to the change of departmental responsibilities following the establishment of the current Government in 2020, my predecessors as Ministers for Employment Affairs & Social Protection would generally have led the Irish delegation.
Since that time the lead Department coordinating Ireland's representation at EPSCO councils is the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Therefore Ministerial representation at EPSCO Council is normally provided by DETE, unless the associated agenda is predominantly of interest to another Irish department. In which case, DETE liaise with that Department to agree on the necessary representation.
Over the period in question, there has been no EPSCO council meeting where the agenda has been of predominant interest to my Department or, required my attendance as Minister for Social Protection, I did attend the informal EU Social Forum Summit in May 2023 -which discussed and reinforced the European Pillar of Social Rights.
I understand a similar question has been asked of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, and he will be able to supply details regarding the number of meetings held and attended by that Department over the said period.
I trust this clarifies the position.
