Minister Flanagan highlights ongoing success of the Blue Star Programme

Minister Flanagan highlights ongoing success of the Blue Star Programme

-          Understanding and appreciation of the EU’s benefits now more important than ever

The Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, has welcomed the success of the Blue Star 2016 programme for primary schools, which is now in its sixth year in Ireland.

The programme, funded by the EU and which is managed on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by European Movement Ireland, introduces primary school children to the EU and to other European countries. 

Speaking about the programme, Minister Flanagan said:

“Ireland’s future lies within the European Union and it is really important that our young people understand the origins of the European Union, the benefits of membership and the importance of being active and informed citizens.

“The teachers involved in delivering the Blue Star programme have shown great commitment to bring the EU to life for their students.  I recall my recent visit to Shanganamore N.S. in Co. Laois, where I was very impressed by the interest and enthusiasm shown by the students of the school in the development of the EU and its future and I am sure that this is typical of the response from students across Ireland who have benefited from this programme.

The Minister also encouraged other schools who may be interested in participating to contact European Movement Ireland:

“Places are filling up on this year’s Blue Star programme and I would encourage any other primary schools who may be interested to contact European Movement Ireland as soon as possible.

“A central element of this year’s programme will be the 60^th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 2017, the legacy of which is a union of member States to which Ireland remains absolutely committed.”

Ends

Press Office

24 December 2016

Notes to Editors:

• The idea of the Blue Star Programme is to foster better understanding and knowledge of the European Union and other European countries.  This is achieved through a series of classroom-based projects, activities and tasks centred around a number of different themes and concepts, culminating in specific events to mark Europe Day on and around 9 May each year. 

• The Blue Star Programme, now in its sixth year, has been a great success, with some 160 schools registered to participate in the 2016-2017 programme.

• Primary schools from all 26 counties are participating and this year nearly half of these will be participating in the programme for the first time. Over the past 6 years, more than 500 schools have taken part in the programme.

• Further information is available on http://www.bluestarprogramme.ie/