Midlands-North-West MEPs to address Seanad ahead of Ireland’s EU Council presidency
Five regional MEPs to participate in first Seanad discussion since election, focusing on Ireland’s upcoming leadership role in Europe
The five Members of the European Parliament representing the Midlands-North-West constituency are set to address Seanad Éireann tomorrow as part of a special discussion on Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The session, scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, will mark the first time the constituency’s MEPs have appeared in the Seanad Chamber at Leinster House since their election in June 2024.
The discussion, which will run from 2pm until 4.30pm, will focus on the broad theme of Ireland’s assumption of the Presidency of the European Council from July 1 and the role of Irish representatives in shaping European policy and priorities.
Proceedings will open with a welcome address by the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Mark Daly, who said engagement with Irish MEPs forms an important part of the Seanad’s role in strengthening links with European institutions.
“The engagement with our European Parliament representatives, in this case the five MEPs from the Midlands-North-West area, is part of the key role Seanad Éireann plays in engaging with the European Union,” Senator Daly said.
“Discussing the work of our MEPs is especially important now with Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EU from 1 July.”
The Seanad will then hear addresses from the constituency’s five MEPs: Mayo-based Maria Walsh, Nina Carberry, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Ciaran Mullooly, and Barry Cowen.
The MEPs are expected to outline their work on behalf of constituents in Brussels and Strasbourg, with opening statements from Seanad spokespersons followed by a question-and-answer session.
The Seanad session will be available to watch live on Oireachtas TV, while proceedings can also be viewed through the official Houses of the Oireachtas smartphone application.