(Front, 3rd from left) Jean McDonald, Ambassador of Ireland to Luxembourg, and (front, 4th from left) Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Ireland's Minister for European Affairs & Defence;
Credit: Embassy of Ireland in Luxembourg
On Monday 14 October 2024, the Irish Ambassador to Luxembourg, Jean McDonald, held an evening reception in honour of Ireland's Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD.
In addition to attending the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, Minister MacNeill took the opportunity of her Luxembourg visit to meet with members of the Irish community. She explained at the embassy reception that this was part of the Irish government's desire to "reconnect Ireland" and to amplify its position abroad. Reflecing on her EU meeting(s), she also emphasised the importance of being "committed Europeans" and defending democracy - not least in current times of uncertainty.
The European Affairs Minister presented the government of Ireland's strategy of encouraging Irish nationals to apply for jobs in the EU institutions and agencies. She mentioned that a number of Irish citizens have risen through the ranks at EU level, but there are more opportunities out there. She highlighted just how diverse and rewarding an EU career can be and explained how the government wants to help candidates succeed, for example by offering free support in the form of practice tests and interview preparation. The minister stressed the importance of languages, noting that Irish language skills are currently in demand at EU level.
Further information is available on the Irish government's EU careers portal (https://www.ireland.ie/en/eu-jobs/), which launched this past summer.
Among those present at the embassy reception were representatives of the EU institutions and companies such as EY, as well as students from Shannon College of Hotel Management and other members and friends of the Irish community in Luxembourg.
