“TO DATE, the financial sector’s contribution to the recovery has been minimal. It is for this reason that the financial transaction tax, such as it is being proposed today, is indeed desirable.”
Those are not the words of a European Union official, but rather those of a secondary school student from Coláiste Chill Mhantáin in Burkeen, Co Wicklow. Pupils from Wicklow portrayed the Belgian minister for finance and his delegation at the sixth annual EU Model Council debate yesterday.
Held at Dublin Castle, the debate comprised 27 secondary schools from across Ireland, each representing the stance of a member state at a simulated EU Council meeting.
More than 100 students participated this year, researching their country’s position, learning public speaking, government, law and financial skills all in one go.
“It’s quite a complex system of governance in the European Union and when it comes to referendum time, people always feel at a loss because the issues are so complicated. It’s very hard to just explain that in words,” said Ruth Deasy, head of press at the European Commission office.
Previous issues for debate have included banning cigarette advertising in sport, raising the renewables targets from 20 to 30 per cent, and other pertinent issues. This year, however, the issue is a live topic: a directive to introduce a financial transaction tax to the EU, albeit a simplified version.
For many in Ireland, European governance is something distant and not seen as a part of daily life. This is far from the case, said Lucinda Creighton, Minster for European Affairs. In fact, it is absolutely central, she said.
“Role-playing is a brilliant way for students to understand how the EU system works,” said Barbara Nolan, head of the Commission Representation in Ireland. “These young people have the vote in a couple of years and it’s critical that they understand what goes on in Brussels and how decisions are made.”
This year’s winners were those representing Latvia – Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare, Co Kerry.
They will travel to Strasbourg to participate in an EU-wide Model European Parliament this September. The runner-up was Estonia, as represented by St Mary’s College, Rathmines, Dublin 6. It was clear from the debate, however, that all schools prepared assiduously, as their highly articulate arguments rang true after hours of tireless research.