Taoiseach launches Blue Star Programme

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Minister for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne TD launched the 2025/26 Blue Star Programme with pupils from 6th class in St. Patrick’s National School, Stamullen, Co. Meath, at Government Buildings today.

Now in its 15th year, the award-winning education Programme introduces primary school pupils to the European Union and promotes a greater understanding of European democracy, languages and cultures.

Pupils participating in the Programme this year will also learn about Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026.

Launching the Programme, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said, “Today marks a momentous occasion as we launch the award-winning Blue Star Programme with St. Patrick’s National School.

As Ireland prepares to assume it’s EU Presidency next year, there has never been a more exciting time for teachers and pupils to participate in the Programme.

“I encourage teachers across Ireland to register, and I’d like to commend all of them for their dedication and commitment to the Blue Star Programme to date.”

The Blue Star Programme has four core elements which includes European history, geography, culture and creativity and lessons on the EU institutions.

The Programme also places a strong emphasis on celebrating the rich cultural diversity in Irish classrooms today.

Last year saw a record 350 schools participate, and it is expected that numbers enrolling on the Programme will significantly increase for the academic year ahead.

Registration for the Blue Star Programme opened on Monday 18 August and will run until Friday 10 October.

The Programme is open to all primary school ages, from junior infants to sixth class, and is suitable for all school settings from Gaelscoileanna, to DEIS schools and island schools.

Gaelscoileanna can also avail of the Programme through the Irish language with Clár na Réalta Goirme. To date, over 1,300 schools and an estimated 220,000 pupils have participated in the programme.

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, said, “I am very glad to welcome St. Patrick’s National School, Stamullen here to Government Buildings to launch the 2025-2026 Blue Star Programme.

“Saint Patrick’s National School has taken the opportunity presented by the Blue Star Programme to heart and I would like to congratulate them and all other Blue Star Schools for their success in completing the programme.

“This Programme does tremendous work in promoting EU values, encouraging active citizenship and fosters a sense of shared European identity among primary school pupils across Ireland.”

European Movement Ireland are the National Implementation Body of the Blue Star Programme, and it is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Further information about is available at bluestarprogramme.ie and Clár na Réalta Goirme.