Wexford pupils celebrate Europe Day with Ceann Comhairle
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Europe Day was celebrated recently as members of parliament visited schools across the country to mark 52 years since Ireland joined the European Union, while the Ceann Comhairle and Wexford native, Verona Murphy TD made her way to two local primary schools.
The younger generation of Irish citizens were visited by Deputy Murphy to mark Europe Day and as part of the Blue Star Programme, students of Scoil Mhuire NS Horeswood, Campile, Co. Wexford and Bunscoil Rís Edmund Rice Senior School, New Ross, Co. Wexford, showcased their creative and educational projects on the European Union.
The Blue Star Programme encourages students of all ages, from primary schools all over Ireland, to get creative and think about Europe by carrying out projects in relation to four key elements: the history, geography, culture and creativity, and Institutions of the EU.
Signifying the economic and diplomatic ties between France and Wexford, the Ceann Comhairle was joined by Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France, Mr. Armel T'Kint Armel de Roodenbeke, and the Wexford Honorary Consul of France, Ms. Mélanie O'Reilly.
Deputy Murphy spoke to the students about the importance of Europe Day and Ireland's relationship with the European Union, which also involved the opportunity for students to put their questions to the Ceann Comhairle.
'Europe Day celebrates 75 years since the Schuman declaration, a proposal made by then French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, which is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union,' remarked Deputy Murphy.
'We take this opportunity today to reflect on what the European Union has meant to us as a nation and particularly for our young people who have shown to me, through their Blue Star Programme projects, that the young people of Ireland's relationship with Europe is stronger than ever,' she added.
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