Burke hosts German Ambassador on Europe Day
Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Peter Burke marked Europe Day yesterday by showing the German Ambassador around his home county, visiting a number of schools in the Mullingar area.
Minister Burke says that he and the German Ambassador Cord Meir-Klodt, were impressed by the questions they were asked by students at the schools they visited. They also visited Abbey Blooms Botanical Gardens, and the Men's Shed in Multyfarnham.
“It was a great privilege for me to welcome the German Ambassador, his excellency, Mr Cord Meier-Klodt to Westmeath to mark the occasion of Europe Day, which this year coincides with Ireland’s 50th year of membership of the European Union”, says Minister Burke.
“This is a momentous occasion that reminds us of the importance of our shared values, solidarity, and cooperation. Ireland has been an active and committed member of the EU, and we have greatly benefited from our membership. It was a chance to go into our schools and meet the next generation of citizens who will carry the European Flag.
“We were greeted at every school with great welcomes, flags, posters and so much work and effort and I really want to thank the school management, teachers, staff and most importantly the students who sang, danced, played for us and also who posed so many interesting questions. Schools covered were Loreto College, St Finians’s College, Presentation Snr School, St Cremin’s NS Multyfarnham and Wilson’s Hospital School. It was great to see the spark of curiosity from the students and I know the message of how important European membership is for us all, was made clear through the question and answer sessions.
“We should never take for granted how our lives have radically changed since membership of the EU. European policies, legislation and funding have enhanced trade for Irish business, improved infrastructure and the quality of the environment, and changed how people work, travel and shop.
Speaking on his first visit to Mullingar, the Ambassador Meier-Klodt welcomed the opportunity to interact with the students and pass on the message of his journey in his career as well as his role in diplomatic affairs in Ireland.
“I found my way into the German foreign service through languages and I encourage all students to pursue language, not just German but any foreign language. To fully understand our European neighbours, we need to understand them – clear communication is a basis for good negotiation,” commented the Ambassador.
“It is great to be in Westmeath and to get to spend some time in this part of Ireland. I have been here two years now and my favourite part of my job is meeting local people and interacting – it gives me great hope and energises me for the future,” concluded the Ambassador.
“What stands out to me is our schools have a great diversity of pupils many of whom are speaking a different language in the home and it was great to see the level of language skills in our schools and how that is fostered through the education system,” commented Minister Burke.
“We need Irish diplomats in Europe, we need our voice to be heard at the highest levels in Europe and highlighting Europe Day I hope will inspire the next generation to consider all the opportunities that are out there – the world is their oyster.
“We finished our day in Multyfarnham with a visit to the Men’s Shed to see the projects and meet the participants. Finally, nearby Abbey Blooms Botanical Gardens really impressed with their facility, a haven of peace and tranquillity, which summed up our hopes for Europe,” concluded Minister Burke.