The EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, the Greek Anna Diamantopoulou, was in Dublin this week for a round of meetings, and on Wednesday was entertained to dinner by Mary Harney. In her speech, the Tanaiste mentioned that every EU official meeting had to have 45 interpreters present, each speaking four languages. This was with 15 member countries. With 25 members, 110 interpreters would be required with six languages each. She joked that she hoped Seamus O'Morain of FAS, who was present, was aware of the opportunities this presented and that FAS was training people rapidly for these jobs.
Diamantopoulou has responsibility for equality, so guests at Shanahans on the Green included several top women, including Patricia O'Donovan of ICTU, the first female revenue commissioner Josephine Feehily, Caroline Jenkinson of the Labour Court and Caitriona Murphy of the Labour Relations Commission. The Commissioner expressed surprise that the person in charge of equality here was a man - Minister John O'Donoghue who was also present. But, coming from Kerry, he said he knew all about the need for equality.