Barefield pupils reveal their political side

THEY may be too young to vote, but the sixth class pupils of Barefield National School have shown that they still have plenty to say when it comes to the upcoming referendum on the fiscal stability treaty.

 

A spirited debate among Mr Chambers’ sixth class pupils outlining the pros and cons of the treaty was among the highlights of a recent visit to the school by Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton.

The minister was the guest of honour at a presentation in Barefield National School as part of the EU Blue Star Project. This project endeavours to create an awareness of the European Union and its functions among Primary School children.

She was accompanied by Pat Breen TD and chairman of European Foreign Affairs Committee. School principal John Burns, parents council chairperson Helen Hanrahan and chairperson of the board of management, Stephanie O’Halloran all welcomed the guests to the school hall which was decorated with replicas of all the European Union flags and a variety of other displays of European culture. Councillor Tony Mulqueen was also in attendance.

Mr Burns acknowledged the Minister’s work in a European context and outlined the school’s involvement with the teaching of European languages since the early ’80s.

He thanked Ms Creighton for her interest in and support for this project and Deputy Breen for his continued support for the school and in particular for his commitment to European issues of benefit to Ireland and to Irish children. Ms Rachel Frawley led the children in a rendition of some songs in French while Mr Liddy’s ceilí band performed.

Sixth class teachers Mr Chambers and Ms Corrigan introduced children from their classes who presented digital projects on the history, geography and culture of the European Union.

Minister Creighton spoke to the children of the importance of Europe for Ireland’s future, answering many student questions ranging from matters of state to personal experiences and the challenges and highlights of a life in politics. She thanked the school and the principal for all the work in relation to foreign languages and European affairs.

The Minister also visited Kilbaha, Shragh and Querrin National Schools and Scoil na Mhaidin Mhuire in Newmarket-on-Fergus.