Minister Peter Burke hosts Belgian Ambassador in constituency

To mark the occasion of EU Day and Ireland’s membership of the EU, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, TD, is hosting the Belgian Ambassador to Ireland, her Excellency, Ms Karen Van Vlierberge on a number of school visits in the constituency today.

The event coincides with the Blue Star Programme, for which projects on the EU are undertaken by primary schools pupils.

“It’s always a great occasion in the schools and I am really looking forward to hearing from the pupils and engaging with them on all things European,” said Minister Burke.

“Belgium currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU and I’m enjoying showing the ambassador around our constituency, albeit on a flying visit, and engaging with the school communities,” says Minister Burke.

This morning the minister and the ambassador visited St Kenny NS, Kilpatrick, Mullingar.

They are also to visit Streamstown NS; Ardnagrath NS, Walderstown; and Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone today.

St Kenny National School

Proinsias Ó Fearghail, principal of St Kenny NS, staff and pupils welcomed their visitors with a guard of honour by the children from junior and senior infants.

They were then serenaded by the EU National Anthem, Ode to Joy, and the Belgian National Anthem.

Minister Burke was able to say hello to his son Leo, who attends the school.

Cllr Andrew Duncan, Fine Gael councillor for the Mullingar Kinnegad District, was also present.