Europe’s economy a hot topic at DCU

IRELAND’S economic situation was put under the spotlight at a conference held at Dublin City University last week.

Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes (FG), and DCU political scientist, Dr Jane Suiter, discussed the country’s immediate and medium-term financial situation in an EU context with a crowd of over 70 at the conference.

The event, entitled European Economic Policy – What’s in it for Ireland? included presentations and a lively Q&A with the audience focused on unemployment, tracker mortgages, TTIP, investment, linking the EU with local government and Europe’s relationship with Ireland.
During his address, MEP Hayes said that while Ireland was moving out of crisis mode, there were significant challenges ahead for us and the entire EU,

“An unemployment level of 26 million across the EU is not sustainable,

? he warned.

“It is imperative that the current generation of EU leaders deliver structural changes which protect future citizens from further cyclical recessions.

?

In her presentation, Dr Jane Suiter said that one of the strengths of the EU was that it had a twin-track approach, which supported both economic and social cohesion.

“The recovery needs to reflect this,

? she added.

“We got into this together and we need to get out of it together.

?

The seminar was the 13th in a series that aims to explain the current economic situation in the EU, and to provide an opportunity for people to ask questions about its implications for Ireland.
Last week’s local event was chaired by Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland.