Celebrating Europe Day
Report by Mia Daly ( TY )
On Wednesday , 5 th of May , the TY EPAS class celebrated Europe Day ( 9 th May ) online . Barry Andrews , recent Dublin MEP joined us on the TEAMS call . A few of the students had the privilege to talk to him about the course and what we have learned and covered this year . We discussed a range of activities : for example , Vivienne shared her story on the Croatian earthquake solidarity event we attended a few months back ; students also talked to him about Euroscola and the European Youth event – both livestreamed from Strasbourg . He was very glad to hear about everything we covered this year .
After we had finished giving him an overview of the amount of work we had put into the EPAS programme , he mentioned his work and what input he has in the EU . He is one of thirteen Irish MEPs . As a Fianna Fail MEP , he sits with the Renew Europe block in the European Parliament .
Prior to becoming an MEP , he worked as an English and history teacher for 7 years . After teaching , he qualified as a barrister , became interested in politics and
went on to become Minister for Children in 2008 – 2011 .
He was a former CEO of GOAL in 2012 . He shared his experiences of working abroad in Syria . He worked in funding for healthcare projects and in initiatives to promote economic growth in Syria . He worked with Goal for four years .
As an MEP he travels to Brussels every week ( before the pandemic ). He is involved in the International Trade Committee ( exports and imports ). They have recently been working on issues such as loss of biodiversity and climate change linked to farmland use and the food system . He also was involved in the EU- UK trade agreement in relation to Brexit . His second main committee is the Development Committee which supports countries in need of economic growth and offers healthcare and humanitarian assistance , especially needed now with the impacts of coronavirus .
Towards the end of the call students got a chance to ask some questions . He answered the question on why he wanted to become an MEP . He came fourth in the 2019 European elections . Many people told him he would suit the job and it ’ s something he is very interested and involved in . He then went on to answer more questions about the EU and the vaccine programme , saying they now have a good grip of things . Lastly , he answered a question on social issues saying they are better deal with by each member state and not at EU level .
To wrap up the event , Ms . English shared the lovely posters students had made for Europe Day and announced the winners . It was great to have the opportunity to speak with Barry Andrews and really get a close insight into what our MEPs are doing for Ireland and for Europe . That is how we celebrated Europe Day .