Taoiseach and Minister Carroll MacNeill launch Blue Star Programme 2024/25
- Foilsithe: 23 Deireadh Fómhair 2024
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, today launched the 2024/25 Blue Star Programme at Government Buildings, alongside primary school pupils from Loreto College Junior School.
Now in its 14th year, the award-winning Programme managed by European Movement Ireland teaches children all about how the European Union works and what benefits EU membership brings to our country. This year over 350 schools have registered from all 26 counties to take part in the Blue Star Programme. To date, over 1,300 schools and an estimated 200,000 pupils have completed the Programme.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said:
“I am delighted to launch the Blue Star Programme and to welcome Loreto College Junior School to Government Buildings.
"Ireland is a proud and committed member of the European Union so it's great to see the programme go from strength to strength.
"Blue Star is exciting and creative and it gives children the opportunity to explore the many cultures, languages and histories of EU member states."
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“It’s great to have fourth-class pupils from Loreto College help launch the Blue Star programme today. They are the real stars and the future of the EU.
"So happy to hear what they’ve learned about the EU and about their ambitions as the next generation of young Europeans.
"I am grateful to the teachers who have brought the EU to life in the classroom for pupils through the Blue Star Programme. They are building on our over 50 years of EU membership and are helping to nurture Ireland’s future leaders of the Union.”
The Blue Star Programme is about sharing with primary school pupils about European cultures, diversity and the EU through creative activities and projects that complement the national primary curriculum. The pupils who take part will have a better knowledge and understanding of the EU and how it affects our lives, and the programme helps pupils embrace cultural diversity in the classroom.
Notes
The Blue Star Programme is managed by European Movement Ireland and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, who provide €99,500 annually. It represents an investment by Government in raising awareness of EU issues among the next generation, ensuring they have a strong understanding of how the EU works and what benefits EU membership brings to Ireland.
Further information on the Programme is available on the Blue Star Programme website.