Minister Hackett and Croatian Ambassador visit Offaly schools to mark EU50

Minister Pippa Hackett and Croatian Ambassador Davor Vidis visited schools in Kilcormac and Banagher this week to encourage conversations with young people on the future of Europe to mark Earth Day and EU 50, the 50th anniversary of Ireland joining the EU.

Speaking about this, Minister Hackett said, "EU50 celebrates 50 years of our membership of, and contribution to, the European Union. In Banagher, I was delighted to meet Ms Canty’s 3rd and 4th class and Ms Quinlan’s 5th and 6th class. I was encouraged by the engagement of our young people in this 2022 European Year of Youth and delighted by their interest and knowledge".

Speaking to students from a number of years in Banagher College, the Croatian Ambassador to Ireland, H.E Davor Vidis told them that it was a real privilege to visit schools in Offaly to mark Europe Day and EU50. "Croatia and Ireland have a special relationship. For me, the best thing about Ireland is the people. It is the people that make Ireland special, and I want everyone to know that Ireland is a welcoming nation."

On the importance of marking Europe day, Minister Hackett stated: "The war in Ukraine highlights that the ideals behind the setting up of what became the European Union are still necessary. We must not take our membership of the EU for granted and we must be active participants in upholding its ideals. The Programme for Government underlines the Government’s commitment to being at the heart of the European home we helped to build and that is all the more important now."