politics
Domestic policy
Ministers launch new resources to engage Irish youth
Minister Helen McEntee and Minister Thomas Byrne have unveiled a fresh educational guide and a creative competition for students. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper connection between young citizens and the ongoing Irish EU Presidency programme.
Source:
Data.gov.ie
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, have officially launched the Young Person’s Guide to the Irish EU Presidency and the EU and Me competition. Designed primarily for Transition Year students, the new guide translates complex policy objectives into accessible language, ensuring that the younger generation can effectively interpret and engage with Ireland’s leadership role within the European Union.
Building upon the foundation laid by the children’s book Ireland’s EU Presidency: Ní neart go cur le chéile, the EU and Me competition invites pupils from primary and secondary schools to explore how European policy impacts their own localities. Participants are encouraged to develop projects that bridge the gap between national governance and community life, with the most compelling entries earning winners the prestigious opportunity to present their findings directly to EU policymakers at a ceremony scheduled for early 2027.
Both Ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining an active, two-way dialogue with Ireland’s youth, noting that the resources were developed with input from a dedicated Youth Advisory Group. The competition remains open for entries until 27 November 2026, and full details regarding participation guidelines and the digital versions of the guide are available on the official government website. This initiative forms a key part of the broader outreach programme, which seeks to ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard at the highest levels of European decision-making.
Building upon the foundation laid by the children’s book Ireland’s EU Presidency: Ní neart go cur le chéile, the EU and Me competition invites pupils from primary and secondary schools to explore how European policy impacts their own localities. Participants are encouraged to develop projects that bridge the gap between national governance and community life, with the most compelling entries earning winners the prestigious opportunity to present their findings directly to EU policymakers at a ceremony scheduled for early 2027.
Both Ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining an active, two-way dialogue with Ireland’s youth, noting that the resources were developed with input from a dedicated Youth Advisory Group. The competition remains open for entries until 27 November 2026, and full details regarding participation guidelines and the digital versions of the guide are available on the official government website. This initiative forms a key part of the broader outreach programme, which seeks to ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard at the highest levels of European decision-making.