MEP Walsh welcomes Leitrim student as European Year of Skills begins

Leitrim was well represented in European Parliament headquarters recently, as Liam Reynolds from Ballinamore was part of a large group of students from across the region who travelled to Strasbourg as guests of MEP Maria Walsh. The business students from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), formerly GMIT, were part of a 42-strong contingent from the university. The group also included four lecturers – Deirdre McHugh, Lorna Moynihan, Cian Marnell and Myles McHugh. 

The Midlands-North-West MEP is the only Irish member on the Culture and Education Committee, (CULT), and on the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL). The designation of 2023 as European Year of Skills is therefore very applicable to her work and priorities in both committees, as well as within the constituency. 

“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the ATU contingent and to speak with the students and give them an introduction and a better understanding of the workings of the European Parliament. It was also a great opportunity to connect them with Europe and build up the European identity, while also showing them that there are so many opportunities within the Parliament for graduates,” said MEP Walsh. 

Prior to visiting the European Parliament, the ATU students had completed a course module in European Studies and so it was particularly interesting for them to experience life in Strasbourg first hand. “I believe it opened eyes to the potential opportunities that the EU Institutions have for graduates. We discussed roles in media, translations, with Political Groups as well as the Institutions themselves, for example, to help them learn a little about the availability of jobs. They also met some of the other MEPs to get a background on different files. It was great for them to hear from the Trade Committee, for example, outlining would require people with a business or economic background.  It’s not just about politics, the European Parliament offers so much more,” explained MEP Walsh. 

As one the youngest sitting MEPs, and the youngest Irish MEP, Walsh is extremely conscious of the importance of empowering young people and ensuring the EU remains relevant across all generations. “Welcoming such a large group from ATU was fantastic and great credit goes to their lecturers, for seeing the importance of the EU and enabling each student to come and see the European Parliament at work. It was heartening to see the interest and enthusiasm among the students and to play a part in improving the connection the students have with European identity. You never know – we may see some of these students back in Parliament sooner than we think,” she added.