European Commission Representation in Ireland

The European Commission Representation in Ireland is part of the Commission's network of representative offices throughout the member states of the European Union. It is the Commission's voice in Ireland and aims to communicate EU affairs at both national and local levels.

Function
The Representation serves as a link between the national government, the public and the European Commission in Brussels. It informs the public and the media about the policies of the Commission and maintains contact with the Oireachtas. At the same time, it informs the Commission's headquarters in Brussels about the political situation in Ireland.

Head of Representation
The Head of the Representation is Barbara Nolan. She represents the European Commission in Ireland and reports back to the Commission on developments in Ireland.

Political Section

The Political Section is responsible for communication between the Commission and political decision-makers in Ireland. In addition, it compiles reports and analyses about political, economic and social trends as well as special events in Ireland. It also disseminates information on European policy through presentations and events for the public and stakeholders.

Head of Political and Economic Section: Jonathan Claridge.

Media, Communication and Outreach

The Media Section informs journalists in Ireland about the Commission's policies, answers questions and issues press releases. It also publishes a weekly e-newsletter and is responsible for the Representation's social media accounts.

The Communications and Outreach Section informs citizens about what is happening and why on the European level. In addition to a number of annual events such as the EU Model Council for secondary schools, it also organises a large number of events both at the Representation and throughout the country on EU policy issues. It is also responsible for the Representation's publications.

Head of Media, Communication and Outreach Section: Helen Kearns

The website of the Representation is www.euireland.ie. The Representation can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Europe Direct
In Ireland, there are 8 Europe Direct centres. Europe Direct centres form the local link between the citizen and the European Union. They are co-financed from the Budget of the European Union and their purpose is to help, inform and answer questions from the local public about the European Union.

European Documentation Centre
The 5 European Documentation Centres in Ireland promote teaching and research of questions about the European integration. They are located close to higher education institutions and research facilities and ensure that documents and publications are available for teaching and research.

Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) helps businesses innovate and grow on an international scale. It is the world's largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions. The Network is active worldwide. It brings together experts from member organisations that are renowned for their excellence in business support.

The Enterprise Europe Network in Ireland is operated by Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and the Chambers of Commerce in Dublin and Cork.