Marking Europe Day 2025, the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Verona Murphy, visited two Wexford schools showcasing their creative and educational projects on the European Union.
The Ceann Comhairle visited Scoil Mhuire National School Horeswood, Campile, and Bunscoil Rís Edmund Rice Senior School in New Ross. The schools partake in the Blue Star programme, which encourages pupils of all ages from primary schools all over Ireland to be creative and think about Europe by carrying out projects relating to history, geography, culture and creativity, and the institutions of the European Union. The programme 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 wider community.
The Ceann Comhairle during her visit to the Wexford schools
Europe Day occurs on 9 May every year, the anniversary of the signing of the Schuman declaration in 1950, the formative act for the European Union as we know it today. The day allows European citizens to reflect on on the co-operation, prosperity and peace that has come about through the European project.
The Ceann Comhairle spoke to the students about the importance of Europe Day and Ireland’s relationship with the European Union before taking part in a discussion with the staff and pupils. Speaking about the school events, the Ceann Comhairle remarked:
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.
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.”
Members of the Parliament visited schools across the country to mark 52 years since Ireland joined the European Union. In a nod to the economic and diplomatic ties between France and Wexford, the Ceann Comhairle was joined in her visit 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.