In 1972, Ireland voted 'Yes to Europe'. During that referendum campaign, Neville Keery played a pivotal role. For our first podcast of 2023, European Movement Ireland's Noelle O Connell and Ryan Levis were delighted to sit down with Neville to discuss his career and to reflect on 50 years of EU membership in Ireland.
Neville Keery’s personal papers are with the Boole Library of University College Cork, where they are archived as the Keery Papers and are available at this link: https://libguides.ucc.ie/NevilleKeeryCollection/
Music credit: Ailbhe Crowley
[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible, and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

On 1 January 1973, Ireland officially became a member of the European Economic Community (now the European Union). As we approach the 50th anniversary of this momentous moment in Irish history, Mary Lou McDonald TD, Leader of Sinn Féin, speaks with Professor Brigid Laffan in front of a live audience to reflect on 50 years of EU membership in Ireland.
This episode is a part of a wider podcast series from EM Ireland that will celebrate 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the European Union and reflect on how EU membership has left a defining mark on the Ireland of today. In 1972, the Irish Council of the European Movement (today known as European Movement Ireland) played a key role in campaigning for Ireland to join the EEC. 50 years on, our organisation is excited to bring to you the ultimate podcast series on 'Ireland EU50'.

In our latest episode of our podcast series Just the Chats, the Data Protection Commissioner for Ireland, Helen Dixon, chats with European Movement Ireland CEO, Noelle O Connell. Throughout the discussion, Helen explains her work as Data Protection Commissioner, the strong European dimension to her role, and her personal reflections on Ireland's time being in the European Union since 1973.
Helen also describes the life cyle of recent well publicised investigations and fines, and how GDPR is a key piece of legislation in her role.
Helen Dixon was appointed as Data Protection Commissioner for Ireland in September 2014. Responsible for upholding the rights of individuals regarding how data about them is used, the role, among other things, requires regulation of a large number of US internet multinationals with European bases in Ireland.
This podcast was recorded in The Podcast Studios
Music credit: Ailbhe Crowley
[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible, and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

In the latest episode of our Just the Chats series, our CEO, Noelle O Connell, sits down with the Chief Executive of EirGrid, Mark Foley. Throughout this conversation, Mark explains EirGrid’s remit and objectives, how EirGrid operates at an EU level, what the connection is between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the current challenges facing Ireland’s energy market, and the current emergency energy market interventions that the European Commission has proposed.
Mark Foley joined EirGrid Group as Chief Executive in June 2018, having held the role of Managing Director of Land Solutions in Coillte since January 2016. Before that, Mark was Managing Director of Coillte Enterprise where he led the development of new businesses in renewable energy, telecommunications, land development and land sales.
He has also worked at the Dublin Airport Authority an has held several senior executive roles with multinationals in the speciality chemicals and electronics sectors.
Mark also gives his reflections on 50 years of EU membership in Ireland.
Recorded: The Podcast Studios, Dublin 2
Music credit: Ailbhe Crowley
[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible, and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

On the 10 May 1972, the people of Ireland emphatically voted yes in a referendum to join the EEC. In this second episode of the Ireland EU50 podcast series, Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute, hosts Fiach Mac Conghail, CEO of the Digital Hub Development Agency, and Kevin Whelan, Director of the Notre Dame Dublin Global Gateway, to discuss Ireland's social and cultural journey over the past five decades.
This episode is a part of a wider podcast series from EM Ireland that will celebrate 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the European Union and reflect on how EU membership has left a defining mark on the Ireland of today.
Ireland EU50
Recorded: The Podcast Studios, Dublin

The webinar discussed various ways of pursuing a potential pathway into an EU career. Speakers provided information on everything from traineeships, contract positions and how to become a permanent official.
Speakers included:
Luís Loureiro de Amorim, Head of Outreach and External Relations at EU Careers, EPSO
Caoimhe McCarthy, Projects Coordinator, European Movement Ireland
Cian Duff, EU Career Student Ambassador, EPSO, Trinity College Dublin
Moderator: Ciarán Murray, EU Careers Manager, European Movement Ireland

On this day 50 years ago, 10 May 1972, the people of Ireland emphatically voted yes in a referendum to join the EEC. In this first episode of the Ireland EU50 podcast series, European Movement Ireland hosted a live discussion with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, and Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute. The series will celebrate 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the European Union and reflect on how EU membership has left a defining mark on the Ireland of today.
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, “I enjoyed this opportunity to join European Movement Ireland in conversation about the last 50 years of Ireland’s EU membership, and to reflect on the value and benefits of membership over the years. These 50 year ‘Ireland EU50’ commemorations come at an important time for Ireland’s relationship with the European Union, as we deal with the humanitarian crisis caused by the war on Ukraine and continue to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Ireland EU50

As we celebrate 50 years since Ireland voted to join the European Communities, we were delighted to be joined by Erwan Fouéré for our latest episode of Just the Chats. Erwan spoke candidly about his experiences of the 1972 EEC Referendum in Ireland, as well as what it was like to be one of Ireland's first staigiaires.
During the conversation, Erwan told us all about his 38 year career with the European institutions, his joint responsibilities of EU Special Representative and Head of Delegation in the EU External Service when he was appointed in this double capacity in North Macedonia ( 2005-2011 ), his role as the first Head of Delegation in South Africa ( 1994-1998 ) where he was awarded the Order of Good Hope, Grand Officer, by President Nelson Mandela in 1998, and his role as the first Head of Delegation in Mexico and Cuba ( 1989-1992 ). Then finally, Erwan also spoke to us about his experience of working in Ukraine.
Hosting this episode was European Movement Ireland's Digital Communications Manager, Ryan Levis, alongside Deputy CEO, Stephen O'Shea.
Music credit: Ailbhe Crowley
For more information on Ireland EU50

Clár speisialta é seo de Just the Chats mar cheiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2022! Shuigh ár gCeanasaí Cumarsáide agus Oideachais, Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh síos le painéal aíonna, atá ag obair leis na hInstitiúidí Eorpacha leis an nGaeilge, i mbun cainte faoin Aontas Eorpach agus an Ghaeilge – ón deireadh a tháinig le maolú na Gaeilge san AE mí Eanáir 2022, go dtí an Chomhdháil ar Thodhchaí na hEorpa, go deiseanna fostaíochta do dhaoine le Gaeilge sna hInstitiúidí agus go leor eile. Ar an bpainéal bhí Róisín Abbott, Oifigeach Caidrimh Poiblí i bParlaimint na hEorpa agus ateangaire; Daniel Burke, eagarthóir Gaeilge le hOifig na bhFoilseachán sa Pharlaimint; Tomaí Ó Conghaile, aistritheoir leis an gCoimisiún Eorpach agus Kevin Lally, Comhairleoir Polaitíochta sa Pharlaimint.
A special Irish language episode of Just the Chats to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge 2022 – a discussion on the end of the derogation of Irish in the EU in January 2022, the Conference on the Future of Europe, EU Job opportunities for Irish speakers and more! Guest speakers include Kevin Lally, Political Advisor at the European Parliament (Sinn Féin); Tomaí Ó Conghaile, translator with the European Commission; Daniel Burke, Language Editor with the Publications Office of the Parliament and Róisín Abbott, Public Relations Officer at DG TRAD in the Parliament and interpreter.
[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible, and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

In this podcast we sat down with Ivailo Kalfin, Executive Director of Dublin-based EU agency, Eurofound, for a conversation about Eurofound’s work and research in 2021, the impacts of Covid-19 on Ireland and Europe more broadly, the Conference on the Future of Europe and much more.

In this podcast we sat down with Rector of the College of Europe, former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, for a conversation about the College of Europe, the increasing interest of Irish students in postgraduate studies at the College, EU security, defence and foreign policy, women in leadership roles in the EU, the Conference on the Future of Europe and much more.

In the latest episode of Just the Chats we sit down with Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, for a discussion on the key role played by the Defence Forces during the Covid-19 pandemic; Ireland, the EU and security and defence; multilateralism; diversity and inclusion in the Defence Forces and more.

In this episode of Just the Chats we sit down with European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Unions, Mairead McGuinness for a discussion on her role as Commissioner to date, taking on the role as she did during the Covid-19 pandemic; her portfolio, financial sustainability and Brexit; her various roles to date in the European Parliament and Commission; her experience as a woman in high level, leadership positions and other aspects of her working life.

For over six decades the Eurovision Song Contest has brought people across Europe together through what has been identified as the longest-running annual international televised music competition in the world, with over 40 countries now taking part regularly. However, while Eurovision aims to be politically neutral, it has often found itself at the centre of various debates and controversies around issues such as LGBTQI+ rights and equality. In this episode of Just the Chats, we explore the history of the renowned song contest, the music, impacts of Covid-19 and the social and political issues surrounding the contest. Sitting in for the discussion is Dónal Mulligan, lecturer and researcher at DCU’s School of Communications and Ciarán O’Driscoll, EM Ireland’s Policy and Research Officer, hosted by Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh, EM Ireland’s Head of Communications and Education.

Eamon Gilmore has been the EU Special Representative for Human Rights since March 2019 and was recently re-appointed for a second two-year term. The tasks of the Special Representative for Human Rights are to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy. He is the former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has also served as the EU Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia.
Listen to Eamon Gilmore's keynote address at a recent event hosted by the European Commission Representation in Ireland, in co-operation with European Movement Ireland, on his role as the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights and on the EU’s role in the protection and promotion of Human Rights.