Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection, Mr. Dara Murphy, T.D., launched the Blue Star programme for primary schools for the current school year in Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil, Glanmire, Cork this morning. The Minister also unveiled the new dedicated programme website – www.bluestarprogramme.ie – which provides information and resources for teachers and schools.
The objective of the programme, now in its fourth year, is to foster better understanding and knowledge, among Irish primary pupils, of Europe and how the European Union affects our lives.
Speaking after the launch, Minister Murphy said:
“I was delighted to meet with teachers and pupils in Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil in Glanmire this morning to launch the Blue Star Programme for 2014-2015 and to unveil the new programme. It is the school’s first year taking part, and I know that, like in all of the other schools around Ireland taking part in the programme, teachers and pupils will find it is a really worthwhile initiative.”
“Since it began in 2011, over 300 schools throughout Ireland have participated in the programme, involving over 15,000 pupils. Each year we get more and more schools taking part. This year we already have over 140 schools registered to participate from all over the country.”
“It is great to see so many young citizens participating in the Blue Star programme and learning about Europe, what it means to be part of the European Union, and what the EU has to offer. Blue Star is a fact-based education initiative for primary school pupils across Ireland. Schools carry out projects and activities on the history, geography and cultural diversity of Europe, and on the development of the European Union, what it does, and how its work affects the lives of citizens.”
“I hope that the Blue Star programme is the beginning of a sustained interest in learning all about the EU and Ireland's membership of it. Through Blue Star and other programmes such as the EU Jobs initiative, we are aiming to ensure that Ireland and Irish people are engaged on European issues and connected into the EU at all levels.”
Notes
The Blue Star Programme is a venture of the Communicating Europe Initiative, supported by the Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs and Data Protection in the Department of the Taoiseach, the European Commission Representation in Ireland, the European Parliament Information Office in Ireland, and the Department of Education and Skills. The Programme is managed by European Movement Ireland.