Funding awarded to promote understanding of EU among our young people – Donohoe

11 groups to benefit from Communicating Europe Initiative to help broaden understanding of the role the EU plays in our daily lives

Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe, has today (Thursday) congratulated 11 groups who have been awarded funding under the Department of the Taoiseach’s Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI).

The initiative supports projects aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues and promoting a broad understanding and awareness of the European Union.

Minister Donohoe said: ‘This year’s scheme focused on targeting communications at second level schools and the 18-25 age group. This is a critical audience for our work in communicating information on Ireland’s role in, and relationship with, the European Union. The high level of interest in this scheme demonstrates the need and enthusiasm for these initiatives.’

“I have seen first-hand the work carried out by groups such as those that have successfully competed for the funding of €50,000 that was on offer. By holding conferences, encouraging people to get out and vote in the upcoming European Parliament election and broadcasting programmes dedicated to the EU and Ireland’s place in it, we can deepen public awareness and encourage people to become more engaged. I look forward to seeing the results of the interesting and varied projects selected for funding.”

All projects are targeted at second-level schools or the 18-25 year age group, with most having regional or nationwide coverage. The projects include:
· European Youth Parliament conferences;
· A ‘Promote the Vote’ campaign targeted at third-level campuses in advance of the May elections, and a ‘Did You Know’ social media campaign aimed at 12-18 year olds;
· Development of an EU section on a leading careers website for both second and third level students and young adults, containing information and links on working in the EU institutions;
· Secondary school visits and liaison programmes on a regional basis, and several interactive radio programmes targeted at young people with the involvement of secondary schools.

Ends
Note for Editors: The Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) was established in 1995 to raise awareness about the European Union and to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues. The programme is administered by the Department of the Taoiseach. €50,000 has been provided in 2014 for Communicating Europe Initiative funded projects.
Further information is available from www.taoiseach.gov.ie

Contact: Deborah Sweeney +353 (0) 868586878
Special Adviser to the Minister