The Emergence of the 1973 Social Action Programme

This paper examines in detail the process that led to the adoption of the Social Action Programme in December 1973, at the end of Ireland’s first year as a member of the European Communities. It traces the emergence of social policy as an issue of concern at European level, from the Treaty of Rome to the 1972 Paris Summit to a number of critical meetings during the course of 1973. The author highlights in particular the role of key Irish actors in the historic establishment of the Social Action Programme.