MEP gives Carrick-on-Suir Transition Year students the lowdown on the European Union

Transition Year students at Carrick-on-Suir's Edmund Rice Secondary School welcomed MEP Billy Kelleher to their school where he gave a talk on his work and Ireland’s involvement in the EU.

Mr Kelleher, who is a member of the EU Committee on Economic & Monetary Affairs, spoke to students about the benefits of EU membership where there exists free movement of people within the 27 countries and where all citizens have the rights and entitlements of each member country.

And he highlighted how Ireland has been transformed in economic strength with better access to education and opportunities since it joined the EU’s predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC) 50 years ago.

The Fianna Fáil MEP’s wide ranging talk also covered the climate crisis, his admiration for Greta Thunberg and the EU law banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035.

He also spoke about his three visits to Ukraine over the past year where he witnessed refugees walking en masse with their children towards the border of EU countries pulling trolleys and cases packed with personal possessions.

Mr Kelleher answered questions from the students about how a young person can become involved in politics, environmental issues and what it means to be a young European citizen in today’s society.

A gift presentation was made to Mr Kelleher in appreciation of his visit and he was thanked sincerely for taking time out of his busy schedule to give such a passionate and informative speech to the TY students.

As part of Transition Year, all ERSS students complete the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme (EPAS) with the aim of achieving the EU Ambassador Award at the end of the year.

EPAS aims to increase students’ awareness of European parliamentary democracy, the role of the European Parliament and European values. It also encourages students to actively participate in EU democratic processes.

Edmund Rice Secondary School Transition Year students pictured with visiting MEP Billy Kelleher and Chloe Shaw, teacher and coordinator. Pictures Anne Marie Magorrian