Dublin, 9 May 2022: Pupils from St Andrew’s National School, Curragha, Co. Meath paid a visit to Government Buildings today for a Blue Star Programme celebration of Europe Day and a special commemoration this year of the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s vote to join the then European Communities (EC) in May 1972. The children met Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD; Eimear Ní Bhroin, European Commission Representation in Ireland; European Movement Ireland CEO, Noelle O Connell and Blue Star Programme Manager, Ryan Levis to celebrate 9 May, Europe Day which marks the anniversary of the Schuman declaration, considered the beginning of what we now know as the European Union.
Europe Day and ‘Ireland-EU 50’ celebrations are taking place in primary and secondary schools across the country today with many Government Ministers and EU country Ambassadors visiting Blue Star Programme schools and schools participating in similar programmes, including the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) Programme.
Noelle O Connell, CEO of EM Ireland, the National Implementation Body of the Blue Star Programme commented,
“Over the last 11 years, over 1,000 primary school registrations and 100,000 pupils from right across Ireland have taken part in the Blue Star Programme. St Andrew’s National School here with us today from Curragha, Co. Meath represent this year’s 250 schools learning all about the history, geography, art, creativity, culture and values of Europe and reaching out to their fellow primary school counterparts across Europe. Initiatives such as the Blue Star Programme are crucial today more than ever as they reflect the best of an open modern, inclusive and outward looking vibrant Ireland. Today was of particular importance for the children who joined us, and indeed for the Blue Star Programme as we celebrate 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the EU.”
The Blue Star Programme is, supported by the Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Education and Skills, the European Commission Representation in Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, with European Movement Ireland as the National Implementation Body For more information, visit https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/ .
-ENDS –
Available for comment:
Ryan Levis, Blue Star Programme Manager at European Movement Ireland.
Contact Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh, Head of Communications and Education, to arrange lisa@europeanmovement.ie ; 0879503539
https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/ | Twitter
Notes:
- About European Movement Ireland: Founded in 1954, European Movement (EM) Ireland is the longest established Irish NGO working on European affairs. An independent, not-for-profit, membership organisation, EM Ireland works to develop the connection between Ireland and the European Union. We facilitate links between all sectors of Irish society and the EU, through advocacy campaigns, education programmes, training courses, information briefings and networking events. For more information, visit europeanmovement.ie.
- About the Blue Star Programme: The Blue Star Programme is supported by the Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Education and Skills, the European Commission Representation in Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, with European Movement Ireland as the National Implementation Body. Since it was established in 2011, there have been over 1,000 primary school registrations, covering all 26 counties, with approximately 100,000 pupils having taken part. Read more at: https://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/
- Press Queries: Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh, Head of Communications and Education, European Movement Ireland; M: 0879503539 E: lisa@europeanmovement.ie
- Photographs issued by / credit: Robbie Reynolds robbiereynoldsphotography.ie
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