CSPE

Peter Kelly TD and Mary O'Rourke TD with pupils at Moyne Community School

The local Oireachtas members spent time with Junior Certificate CSPE (Civil, Social and Political Education) students at Moyne as part of the Houses of Oireachtas Education Outreach Programme. The programme, which is being rolled out to secondary schools across the country, has been designed to increase the understanding of the role of elected representatives and explain the functions of the Dáil and Seanad.

CSPE class teacher Ms Brindley and Oireachtas Education Officer for the Longford/Westmeath area Sharon Murphy area facilitated a lively hour long debate between the Oireachtas members and students.

During the class, the Oireachtas members were given the chance to outline their roles and explain the work of the Dáil and Seanad, while students also questioned them on a wide range of local and national topics. Some of the issues which came up included; role of An Ceann Comhairle, the challenges of working as a public representative, the validity of charging VRT for cars imported within the EU, issues regarding the use of green diesel and public service paycuts.

Speaking about the visit, Oireachtas Education Outreach Officer for Longford/Westmeath area, Sharon Murphy said;

“Today’s class allowed the students to interact directly with their local elected representatives in a familiar setting. It provided a first hand opportunity for students to meet with the TDs and Senators from their areas and ask them questions which are relevant to them now and in the future.

It is important for a healthy democracy that young people play an active part in the political process and are will informed regarding the parliamentary system. Today’s visit enabled students to learn more about the role of their local political representatives and feel engaged with how the country is governed.”

The event is part of a wider programme of education about the political system in Ireland. The programme which was devised in consultation with education professionals is focused on Junior Certificate students as part of the CSPE curriculum. Throughout the course students explore the concepts of law and democracy through a series of class based activities and lesson plans.

Regional education officers administer and facilitate workshops in schools throughout the country. So far, over 185 classes have been facilitated in 160 schools with over 6,000 pupils taking part.

(l-R) Peter Kelly TD, Mary O'Rourke TD, Zara Flynn, (who acted as Ceann Comhairle) and Sharon Murphy, Education Outreach Officer with members of the school student council.