The 5th year of the Blue Star programme is launched!
Dublin, 5 November 2015: Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD was visited at government buildings this morning by pupils from St. Mary’s national school in Dublin, to mark the official launch of the Blue Star programme for the school year 2015/16.
The Minister of State for European Affairs and Data Protection, Dara Murphy TD also warmly welcomed the children and their teachers.
The launch marks the fifth year of the programme which which aims to foster better understanding and knowledge of the European Union amongst Irish primary school pupils through classroom projects and activities.
Speaking earlier, Noelle O Connell, Executive Director with European Movement Ireland said, “We were delighted that the children from St. Mary’s school met the Taoiseach and the two Ministers this morning. The school has participated in Blue Star before and the pupils and staff have been great ambassadors for the programme.”
“All primary schools are eligible to register for the programme and we provide lots of material, advice and a curriculum guide” added Ms O Connell, “We’re here to help and have supported over 350 schools to date. Interested teachers can contact us on (01) 662 5815 or by e-mail on bluestar@europeanmovement.ie”, she concluded.
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Note to Editors
Available for comment
EM Ireland’s Executive Director, Noelle O Connell is available for interview and comment. Contact Frances Byrne at EM Ireland, on 01 662 5815, 086 814 3297 or email frances@europeanmovement.ie
About the Blue Star Programme
The Blue Star Programme is a joint venture of the Communicating Europe Initiative, supported by the Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs in the Department of the Taoiseach, the European Commission Representation in Ireland and the European Parliament Information Office in Ireland.
The Blue Star Programme aims to introduce participants (pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community) to the EU; what it means and how it works. The Programme also aims to foster a strong sense of awareness of the EU among its participants that reaches far beyond the school walls and out into the community. The national co-ordinating body for the programme for the next three years is European Movement Ireland.
About European Movement Ireland
Founded in 1954 and marking its 60th anniversary this year, European Movement Ireland is an independent not-for-profit, membership organisation working to make the connection between Irish people and the European Union. Through education programmes and advocacy work, European Movement campaigns for every Irish person to get involved with the European Union and, by doing so, help shape it through reasoned, robust and informed debate. For more information, visit www.europeanmovement.ie.
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