Sir, – Brian Mooney makes some very valid points regarding the dearth of teaching about the European Union in Ireland ("Why aren't we teaching pupils more about the EU", Education, January 25th).
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of Ireland’s treaty of accession to the then EEC, it is a pity that education about the European Union remains very patchy in schools and colleges. This is particularly puzzling given that Ireland’s membership of the EU is probably the most significant step in foreign and economic policy taken by the country since independence.
While we can whet students’ appetites for learning about the EU through the Blue Star and Ambassador schools’ programmes, together with other initiatives such as the annual “Model Council” debate, this is just scratching the surface.
Let us seize the occasion of the 50th anniversary to raise the game when it comes to teaching and learning about the EU. – Yours, etc,
BARBARA
NOLAN,
Head of Representation,
European Commission
Representation
in Ireland,
Dublin 2.