Graduate Opportunities in the EU

European Movement Ireland is currently running a series of talks around the country targeting third level students who may be interested in career opportunities within the EU's institutions. The campaign entitled "Grad Jobs in Europe" is designed to raise awareness among third level students of the vast range of jobs and internships open to Irish graduates in Brussels within the various EU institutions and bodies.

Andrea Pappin, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland is concerned that not enough Irish people are entering the EU civil service and rising through the ranks of the EU. If this situation does not improve Ireland could find itself grossly under represented within the EU system within a decade. "Our campaign is designed to show students the opportuntities that exist for them there and show them they are more than qualified for the positions available, " she said.

For more information on career talks contact European Movement Ireland at www.europeanmovement.ie

My EU Life Competition 2010

My EU Life Competition 2010

Winning poster submitting by Aisling Ni Chonchuir, Pobal Scoil, Dingle. My EU Life Competition was targeted at second level schools in the area and it is one of the events sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs "Communicating Europe Initiative".

Your passenger rights within the EU

The European Parliament and the Council have given their signature to an EU Regulation that will enabvle passengers travelling by sea and by inland waterways to enjoy the same rights wherever they travel in the EU. Among these rights is the right to information or compensation in the case of delay or cancellation of a journey.

In addition, the new rules also offer people with disability or reduced mobility protection travelling over water. The new Regulation will complement existing rights for air and rail passengers.

Charlemagne Youth Prize 2011- Irish entries sought

An EU-wide competition offering €10,000 in prize money to young people involved in cross-border multi-cultural projects has launched its annual call-out submissions. The 2011 European Charlemagne Youth Prize will be awarded next Spring to the project that best promotes co-operation and mutual understanding between young EU citizens. Organisers are hoping for a surge in Irish entrants this year, following on from last year's contest by an Irish man who scooped second prize. This year's contest is open to Irish people aged between 16 and 30 and suggested projects eligible for consideration include the organisation of youth events, cultural exchanges or internet projects with a European dimension. An Irish jury will select a national winner next March, and then an international panel will judge entries from each Member State at a ceremony in Germany in May. Top prize is €5,000, second prize is €3,000 and third prize is €2,000. The deadline for applications is 23rd January 2011, and entry forms are available at www.charlemagneyouthprize.eu

Source: Magee, J. Eurolink South, November 12, 2010

Closing date for "My EU Life" Competition for TY students

The closing date for receipt of entries from the six secondary schools participating in "My EU Life" competition is 5 pm on Thursday 11th November 2010. The designated schoools for this pilot project were visited during the month of October when full details of the competition were given. We look forward to receiving  as many entries as possible and to the announcement of the winning submissions at a ceremony at ITT on December 1st. For any additional information relating to this competition, please contact Ms. Lucy Kelly by email Lucy.Kelly@ittralee.ie or by phone (066) 7191867.

EU Commission Working Group "Languages for Jobs"

Please find below interesting links from the EU Commission working group "Languages for Jobs":


The report of the Business Forum for Multilingualism from 2008, entitled "Companies work better with languages". It is available in all official languages except Irish in our catalogue of publications: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/education_culture/publ/multiling_en.html.

Material about the University-business dialogue and cooperation can be downloaded from the Education and Training web site: http://ec.europa.eu/education/higher-education/doc1261_en.htm

The brand new Council conclusions on New Skills for New Jobs:

http://ec.europa.eu/education/languages/news/news4028_en.htm

The European Framework of Key Competences:

http://ec.europa.eu/education/school-education/doc830_en.htm

Vocational education and Training:

http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc60_en.htm


The above information was kindly provided by Kristen Brogan  IT Tralee

New DVD on Ireland in Europe

Minister for Education, Mary Coughlan yesterday launched an updated DVD on Ireland in Europe which is aimed at informing young people about Ireland's EU membership. For more information and to download a copy, please use the following link http://bit.ly/ajkHEz

Revision document- EU Law & Policy

Please check your email for revision document of key concepts and fundamental principles of EU law & Policy sent to you all today. Keep up to date, through this blog, on developments in relation to the euro and the debt crisis.

Funding approved for Communicating Europe Initiative 2010

On Monday 10th May 2010 it was confirmed that IT Tralee  would receive   funding under the Department of Foreign Affairs "Communicating Europe Initiative". This Initiative provides funding for an EU project to be run in the next academic year with ITT and a number of secondary schools in Kerry. The project entitled 'My EU Life' will involve second level students in transitional year (TY)who will submit projects/art/essays/poetry on the impact the EU has on everyday life in Ireland. The schools involved will be visited by some of our international students as well as our EU Schools Liaison Team. Since 2003  ITT has organised an annual student led EU Debate which has been a big success. This project aims to build on that success and expand the annual EU themed activity.

For more information see http://www.eumatters.ie/

EU predicts Irish growth of 3% in 2011

EU predicts Irish growth of 3% in 2011

The EU Commission has forecast that the Irish economy will grow by 3% next year. This is one of the highest levels of growth forecast in this morning's figures from the Commssion.

At 3% predicted growth, Ireland is alongside other countries who experienced massive falls in recent years, like Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The Commission says that the economy will fall by 0.9% this year. This again is an upward revision from a previous forecast for a 1.4% fall. Its figures say the economy here declined by 7.1% last year. This compares to a previous forecast of -7.5%.

Read the full forecast here

European Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn said that Ireland took bold, credible consolidation efforts and fiscal consolidation is paying off now, and that the Irish economy is recovering.

'It is essential Ireland will continue to take measures of fiscal consolidation and if needed take even further measures,' he added.


Meanwhile, the euro zone economy as a whole is set to grow by 0.9% this year, faster than previously thought, the EU Commission said today, but debt-laden Greece's economy is set to contract by 3%.

'The improved outlook for economic growth this year is good news for Europe,' said EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Olli Rehn.

'We must now ensure that growth will not be derailed by risks related to financial stability. Sustainable growth calls for determined fiscal consolidation efforts and reforms that enhance productivity and employment,' he said.

The 0.9% economic growth forecast for the euro zone contrasts sharply with the unprecedented 4.1% contraction in recession-hit Europe last year. In February, when the commission released its previous forecasts, the growth this year was put at 0.7%.

For the 27-nation EU as a whole the economic growth forecast for 2010 was put at 1%.

But the situation is very different for Greece, as its euro zone partners prepare a multi-billion euros rescue package to prevent it defaulting on its massive debts.

The prediction of a 3% contraction in the economy contrasts sharply wuth the earlier estimate of a much more gentle fall of 0.3% foreseen last November.

For 2011, Brussels still sees the Greek economy in recession, though with the economic squeeze limited to 0.5%. In November, growth of 0.7% was predicted for next year.

For Spain and Portugal, the two euro zone countries considered most at risk after Greek, the commission revised its growth predictions upwards. For Spain it see a rise in economic activity of 0.4% this year, while the rate for Portugal was put at 0.5%.

Source: www.rte.ie

Toireasa Ferris said:

Given that most weeks consisted of 70/80 hours of work and canvassing across five counties, its not surprising that specific details of various debates/events during the EU campaign are slim, to say the least. One event however, that does stand out is the debate we candidates participated in at IT Tralee.

The occassion was memorable for a number of reasons. it was one of the first panel debates we had engaged in and to be honest the task was made all the more nerve racking by the knowledge and debating skills demonstrated by the students in the first part of the evening. We were supposed to be the experts on the European Union and given that most of us had campaigned on the Lisbon Treaty, we were expected to know more than the average person. Trying to follow the students performances was going to be a tough task.

It was also a proud evening for me that one of my former students, who i had tought EU Law in the community college, was selected as the most impressive speaker that evening. Her team failed to win the debate, which to be fair, was not the expected outcome amongst some members of the audience.

While turn out for the event wasn't that high, those who did attend demonstrated great interest in the subject matter and there was lively debate between the candidates who had opposing views on the lisbon treaty.

Congratulations to all involved, as i said it was one of the most memorable events i participated in during the campaign, unfortunately i wasn't in a position to attend this years debate as i was committed to atted another meeting that night, but given its an annual event, i look forward to the Decbate in 2011.

Authors

Authors of this blog from left to right: Johnny Brosnan, Michael Twomey, Ahsan Memon and Enda Gildea

7th Annual EU Debate 2010

On the 24th of March 2010 the 7th Annual E.U. Debate was held at IT Tralee in L108 Solas building at the North Campus.Both teams were made up of second year Business students.The motion for the debate was "This house believes that there can be no European Union without Monetary Union."

The proposition representing Year 2 of the Higher Certificate in Business Studies included Mr. Martin O’Connor, Ms. Barny Hassan, and Mr.Paul Adeola Oluwaseun. The opposition representing Year 2 of the Bachelor of Business Studies included Ms. Alice O’Regan, Mr. Lloyd Power and Mr. Alin Zlatescu.

The panel of judges for the debate were ITT lecturers Mr. Fergus Dunne, Mr. Pat McGarty and Mr. John Shanahan.

The guest speaker for this year’s event was Mr. Tim Hayes who worked in the EU Commission in Brussels for 16 years. He is now Head of Sector at the European Commission Representation in Ireland.

There was a good turnout for the debate which was open to the public. The debate was chaired by ITT lecturer in European Studies, Lucy Kelly.
The debate itself was very informative and entertaining with more "points of information" exchanged between the sides than any previous year. All of the debaters were very well prepared and were very passionate in getting across their point of view. There were some great exchanges between the opposing teams and all of this added to what has been described as one of the best debates of recent years.

Guest speaker Mr.Tim Hayes made a contribution on the role of the European Commission in Ireland, and on E.M.U. He congratulated both teams on a very well structured and hard fought debate.

After much deliberation the victorious team was the proposition represented by Mr. Martin O’Connor, Ms. Barny Hassan, and Mr.Paul Adeola Oluwaseun. The best speech was awarded Mr. Alin Zlatescu.

Overall the debate was very well received and was a great success.
We here at IT Tralee look forward to an equally successful debate in 2011.
Below you will find the speeches of Ms Barney Hassan and Mr. Alin Zlatescu (Best speech winner)
and also some photo's from the night.

Barny Hassan's EU Debate Speech 2010

Thank you Madam Speaker, Members of the House, The Judging Panel, ladies and gentlemen, my distinguished opponents, this evening I stand confident and convinced on a European level in proposing the motion that this house truly believes that there can be No European Union without a monetary union. I shall focus on the social aspects that prove that this motion is correct. This will leave you in no doubt ladies and gentlemen that the opposition are ill-informed and do not appreciate

 

• The importance of EMU

• The benefits that it has attained for its citizens

• The overall stability and growth of the European economy

• And finally the overall success of European integration

As my colleague Paul has highlighted, the creation of the EMU is one of the most far reaching steps in the history of European Enterprise. The single currency has contributed to a greater sense of common purpose and endeavour among the European people. It has strengthened the European identity in a European union that is characterised by great diversity.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us not forget the first European Community enlargement took place in 1973, producing perhaps what is the most successful story of all: The rise of Ireland from being one of the poorest countries of the EC to the second highest GDP per capita.

And yet in the same year Europe was being hit by a severe oil crisis, followed by continental recession - to which member states responded only by further strengthening their economic cooperation and their ambitious plan for a single currency.

Need I remind my respectable opponents that the euro has world stage recognition as an international currency?

The euro, Members of the House is among the strongest currencies in the world, alongside the US Dollar and the Japanese Yen. It has soon become the second most important reserve currency after the US Dollar. Britain stands to lose political as well as economic influence in shaping future European economic integration if it remains outside a new system.

The euro after its launch immediately became the world's second leading international currency. Nevertheless, there are a number of factors that support the usage of the euro as an international currency.

1. The large size of the euro-area economy.

2. The economic and social stability attached to the euro, which reflects the sound economic fundamentals in the euro area under the policy framework of EMU.

3. The ongoing integration of national financial markets in Europe into broad and liquid European financial markets.

May I inform my worthy opponents that the euro is used beyond the EU states and has been adopted in 3 states that are actually not part of the EU; the Vatican City, San Marino and Monaco!

Several other countries have officially adopted the euro as their sole currency- Andorra, Kosovo and Montenegro without even an agreement. Other countries display trading prices in national currencies and euro prices as far as Africa: Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Surinam to name but a few!

May I remind my fellow opponents that it was actually Winston Churchill that planted the seed in 1946 suggesting the creation of then the “United states of Europe”? Although his goals were merely political, he had hoped that a unified government would bring together a continent that had been torn by the war. I am well aware and am sure Members of the House will agree with me that economic integration is not an end in itself but a means to an end.

More than half of Britain's leading retailers and Supermarkets have said that they will accept the single currency in the near future. Customers will be able to pay in euro and get change in sterling, including as Marks & Spencer, WHSmith and Safeway,

Some retailers have had to be prepared, leading supermarkets like Sainsbury's, ASDA and others have even introduced trolleys with euro coin slots.

Whilst my Opponents may ask- Is the euro popular?

I stand to say that the opions vary from state to state: recent research shows public opinion in

Finland is split nearly 50-50

68% support in Spain

72% in Ireland

75% in Belgium

83% in Italy

And lately Denmark 50%.

I might enlighten my opponents that even though Denmark opted out of the euro during the Maastricht treaty, the current Danish government has actually announced to hold a referendum on the issue following the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty. This has obviously come as a result of Denmark’s current financial turmoil.

A currency is like a Language.

The euro has become a symbol of integration and a voice in uniform in terms of social and economic decisions in the IMF meetings. In 2008 in Brussels, Jean-Claude Junker the president of the euro group stated that the EU member states using the euro should speak with one voice and be represented by one seat in the International Monetary Fund meetings in order to be more credible.

However Members of the House, it is important to note that some of the highly populated countries in the world,for example, People’s Republic of China, India, Indonesia, United States, exhibit large intra-regional income differences within them. Yet, each of these countries uses a single currency. The single currency is a political symbol of integration! Yes we are aware that it is a political process achieved through the means of economic integration.

Members of the House, Madam Speaker and my opponents, we are all aware that Greece is facing social and economic difficulties; this crisis has given momentum to calls for a even more integrated euro zone. Extreme measures have been taken on board with proposals for a common financial ministry for the euro-zone which would manage member states debts, a creation of a European version of the IMF so that IMF style resources and expertise can be used while solving economic problems within Europe.

As the French president recently sated in regards to France standing by Greece, Members of the House, the euro is our currency and implies solidarity!

Cohesiveness

Members of the House I cannot over emphasis that EMU promotes peace!!

It is a well known fact that countries that trade together do not wage war on each other. As Paul stated earlier, the whole idea of integration Members of the house was to prevent war within the union war. If EMU promotes intergration which results to a peaceful and a happy trade then this means peace throughout Europe.

• EU governments and institutions have transformed from a common market of 6 countries into a union of 27 with a population of over 500 billion (which is 7.3% of the world’s population given that the EU covers only 3% of the earth).

• It is the largest trading bloc accounting for over 30% of global trade with a combined GDP well ahead of the States in 2008 only. (Intra EU-trade alone on EU’s share of world trade imports and exports alone)

Ireland’s Policy on EMU

Last but not least I hope that my ill-informed opponents are aware that Ireland fully supports the process of European integration. Ireland's policy has always aimed at being eligible to participate in EMU from the outset.

If I can take you back -since, (my opponents) they appear to lag behind- to a statement issued by the former Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, in May 1998, which he emphasised that the Irish Government's is fully commited to continuing stability achieved through economic and budgetary policies.

Ireland’s involvement in the EMU membership is essential to our ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and has made significant strides in complying with the Maastricht conveyance criteria.

I feel that I need to tell my honourable opponents that people think it is holding on that makes you stronger, but sometimes it's letting go! They need to be aware that Europe spent several decades in experimenting with regional monetary cooperation before adopting a monetary union. The single currency is a symbol of peace through integration, a symbol of solidarity! I invite you to cross over- and join Tim, Paul and I- as we await to welcome then with open arms in proposing this motion!

Alin Zlatescu's EU Debate Speech 2010

Here is Alin Zlatescu's speech which won the best speech award at the 2010 EU debate:


Good evening fellow students, distinguished guests, members of the proposition.

The Euro has always been a major currency, based on a monetary union between countries who do not share political union.

Its creation was remarkable, the triumph of political will, over economic barriers.

But make no mistakes Ladies and Gentlemen; there are significant costs to such a union, which are becoming especially evident now.

The most obvious, is the loss of two major macroeconomic policy instruments: First, the exchange rate and second, the monetary policy, which could be used to prevent an economy from collapsing.

Of course this is not foolproof, as many countries know, but trying to adjust without such instruments, is that much harder, and will require severe cutbacks on public spending and private consumption, which are not only difficult to implement, but unlikely to be accepted by the public.

So let me explain: Ireland, and the other countries sharing the Euro, gave up their rights to put into practice, an independent monetary policy and exchange rate instrument. Instead, they choose to accept the economic strategies as implemented by the European Central Bank, which do not reflect economic conditions in Ireland, or for that matter, in any other, small, open economy countries, in Europe. Decisions taken in Frankfurt are more likely to be influenced by the Large European economies, to benefit their growth.

This “one size fits all” monetary policy, does not suit all the countries equally, is less effective than the policy an independent country, could pursue, and is the source of great instability for the member states.

This means, that the Eurozone members, lost their ability to devalue their currencies, to compensate for a loss of competitiveness. The governments are over reliant now on fiscal policy, which is itself controlled by the Stability and Growth Pact.

Adopted in 1997 and later revised in 2005, the Stability and Growth Pact, fails to enforce fiscal discipline, and ensure sound and sustainable public finances within the EMU.

Financial supervision, remained mainly national in scope, as the rules of the single currency, allow for sanctions to be applied, to countries running unsustainable fiscal practices, but to date, these sanctions have never been used, in the single currency’s 11 year history.

So what does that tell you?

It’s clear, the euro has been a disaster for Ireland, and will ensure, our fall lasts considerably longer than it has to.

Let us look now, at what other countries have done? Well, we see that, of the three entrants into the EEC in 1973, we’re the only ones using the euro. However, we trade far less with other Eurozone countries, than either Denmark or Britain.

Countries like Sweden, Denmark and the UK, have negotiated, an opt out clause, allowing them to remain outside the Euro Area. Their decision was based on the deep reluctance to surrender sovereign power, something that Ireland did not reflect on.

The prospect for the Irish exporters facing a flexible exchange rate with the sterling is rather daunting. A strong sterling causes inflationary worries for Ireland, while a weak one, hits the Irish exporters.

Who would’ve guessed, that we’d get locked into an arrangement, which means we have to try to be more competitive than Germany, the world’s, most successful exporter.

So the question for those who, rightly suggest, we need to cut our wages and prices down by30%, to claw back the competitive losses we suffered since joining the euro, is: How are we going to do it? In particular, how are we going to do this, without leaving the euro? And, what is the alternative to leaving the euro? Most importantly: How high does unemployment have to go for us, to be competitive again?

Until these questions are answered, there are significant question marks, over the wisdom of Ireland using the euro.

We simply can’t keep cutting expenditure, when there is no offsetting stimulus, coming from a cheaper exchange rate, which would allow the trading sector to grow. This is basic-economics, the sort of stuff you learn in first year.

We know that, had we applied the most basic criteria for suitability, there is no way Ireland would’ve joined the euro.

Besides, one doesn’t even have to understand economics, to see that what happens in Greece is a clear example, highlighting the inefficiency of the Monetary Union.

The problem posed by the debt issues in Greece is deeper, and probably more significant, since it calls into question, the stability and practicality of the Eurozone itself.

With Greece overdrawn, and no one eager to foot the bill, Europe’s debt crisis, has exposed a fundamental weakness among the 16 countries that share the euro: Different, and often widely opposite approaches to spending, don’t make for a happy union.

It’s impossible to have a common currency, for such a big and diverse area.

There’s no real solution for Greece. They’re helpless now, and only for a magic wand, its deficit would disappear.

For the opponents of the euro, Greece, and the lack of cohesion among the EU, is a case of: “I told you so.”

As a result, it should force Europe, to reconsider how much of a union it really wishes to be.

Because, look at it this way: what’s in this monetary union for you and for me, for the ordinary people of this country? Well, I’m sure you have the answer to that: not much, but to the contrary: wage cuts, rising unemployment, it simply fails us when we need it the most.

So what should we do?

What can we do?

Well, the response to this crisis, means that we’re moving into a new era, which might be good for us, but until there’s full political union in Europe, Ireland should adopt the Danish and Swedish approach, of having its own currency, something that could be done without too much disruption.

However, if this crisis were to accelerate political union, and would, ultimately, change the view in Brussels, about the joint responsibility, that is necessary to make the euro work, it will have been a crisis worth having, for Ireland in particular.

Thank You!

Photos of the 2010 EU Debate

 

The Jean Monnet Programme and IT Tralee

The main objective of the Jean Monnet Lifelong Learning Programme is to support the development of European integration studies in third level institutes across the EU. The Jean Monnet Programme - European Module was in operation at IT Tralee between 2003 and 2008. An application for a further five year period will be submitted in 2011. The European Commission intends to give priority to applications that extend the reach of European integration studies to those in society who would not normally come in contact with the European Union. It is hoped that an E.U. module will be developed by I.T. Tralee and offered to civic society groups (e.g primary and secondary school teachers) for whom knowledge of the European Union would be a distinct advantage.

Over the past six years the Jean Monnet Programme has supported and facilitated the study of European integration on academic courses across a broad range of faculties at the Institute of Technology Tralee. It has offered students an opportunity to participate directly in a range of EU sponsored activities as well as fostering debate and critical reflection on the process of European integration,and Ireland’s role within it. The annual E.U  Debate has provided an ideal platform locally for discussion and debate within the wider community on issues germane to Ireland’s EU membership . The annual debate will continue to constitute an integral part of the activities of any future Jean Monnet Programme.

The Jean Monnet Programme

EU Debate 2010

On Wednesday 27^th March 2010 the Institute of Technology, Tralee in conjunction with the EU Commission in Dublin will host the ITTs 7^th annual EU debate which promises plenty of excitement.  Six students from 2^nd year Business Studies will debate the topical issue of European monetary union.

This event is jointly sponsored by the School of Business at ITT and the EU Commission in Dublin.  The main objective of this event is to foster greater awareness and dialogue about the EU and Ireland’s role within it, amongst third level students, staff and the general public. It also follows on from six successful EU debates which IT Tralee has organized since 2003.

The Motion for this year’s debate is “This House believes that there can be no European Union without monetary union.” The proposition representing Year 2 of the Higher Certificate in Business Studies include Mr. Martin O’Connor, Ms. Barny Hassan, and Mr.Paul Adeola Oluwaseun. The opposition representing Year 2 of the Bachelor of Business Studies include Ms. Alice O’Regan, Mr. Lloyd Power and Mr. Alin Zlatescu. The panel of judges for this year’s debate are ITT lecturers Ms. Fiona Tobin, Mr. Pat McGarty and Mr. John Shanahan. The guest speaker for this year’s event is Mr. Tim Hayes who worked in the EU Commission in Brussels for 16 years. He is now Head of Sector at the European Commission Representation in Ireland. He will speak on theme of EMU in the context of the current financial crisis. The event is taking place in the North Campus, Solas Building (L108) on Wednesday 24^th March at 7.30 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

For further information on the event: Lucy Kelly-Crowe at 066 7191867 or email lucy.kelly@ittralee.ie

6th Annual EU Debate 2009

The 6th Annual EU Debate took place at the Institute of Technology, Tralee on 27th of April 2009. The event provides a forum locally for discussion and debate on Ireland's EU membership. The event revolves around a student-led debate.
The motion for the 2009 debate was "This House believes that the Lisbon Treaty is dead".

Dorina O Iacov, Who participated in last's debate said:

"I am glad I have accepted to take part in the EU debate last year.
I have learned so much about EU and it's institutions and this involvement also gave me an opportunity to speak about my beliefs in regards to the overall benefit that EU had or didn't on Europe. I had a very informative and memorable night and met many local politicians.
I now have great memories."

EU careers

There are opportunities for graduates with a level 8 Bachelor degree in the following disciplines: Law, Economics, Public Administration, Accountancy, Languages, ICT, science. The basic requirement for any position in EU institutions is competency in a second EU language (French, German or Irish). There is a shortage of graduates with competency in Irish to fill positions that have become available since Irish was designated an official language of the EU in 2007.  On the 16/3/09 the 2010 competition for positions began. Graduates can apply on-line at the following website http://europa.eu/epso/

You can watch the lecture on career opportunities in the EU institutions at the following website http://www.euireland.tv/archive.php?event=12

Here is the presentation on career opportunities in the EU institutions

EU careers presentation

View more presentations from EUdebate.

ITT Bests UL Debaters 2008

ON Wednesday April 2, the Millstream Common Room became

the venue for the much anticipated Lisbon Treaty debate

hosted by UL Debating Union and featuring speakers both

from UL and also speakers from Institute of Technology

Tralee.The ITT speakers were arguing in favour of the Treaty

and the purportedly more difficult task of opposing the
new Reform Treaty was left to the Limerick speakers.Adjudicators

for the debate were Mr John Shanahan and Dr Patricia Conlon.

In what was an information rich debate,the speakers from Tralee were extremely well prepared,putting forward both deep analysis and intelligent

rhetoric to make the case for the Lisbon Treaty.

Their first speaker, Liam Moran used the example of heart surgery,

and the confidence people place in their doctors to

make the right decision, comparing this with the majority

of the Irish political scene backing the Lisbon Treaty.

The case for Lisbon was furthered by James Barry,whose

primary focus was on how this was a requirement for the EU

to remain efficient and to continue giving benefits to all

member states. Emily Cane,the final speaker for ITT

focused on economics in part and how Ireland's objection to

the Reform treaty could jeopardise foreign direct investment

and damage the nation's prosperity.

In refuting these arguments, the team from UL took

the line that while the EU has been good to Ireland,the Lisbon

Treaty would not. In opening for UL, Eamon Quinlan

stated that the Reform Treaty was a case of 'smoke

and mirrors' with most of the content being the same as the

EU Constitution which was rejected previously by other

nations. He went on to discuss the harms to Ireland under the

Treaty, including the democratic deficit. Continuing this

line of argument, Aoife Finnerty spoke about how it

was a bigger loss to a small country such as Ireland to be

without a EU Commissioner for any period of time.Final

speaker in the debate Oisín Collins spoke about how the

Reform treaty was a future for Europe, but not the best future

for Ireland.

After the debate, the adjudicators departed to deliberate the outcome. During this interval, refreshments were served and the audience had a

chance to speak with the debaters. The adjudicators returned shortly and the verdict was announced with IT Tralee winning the debate and Ms Finnerty of UL taking the best speaker award.

Jean Monnet Project 06-07

During the academic year 2006-07 in the region of 210 students participated directly in the Jean Monnet Project with a further 150 attending the main activity of the project – the annual Jean Monnet debate. This year the main Jean Monnet event took place on 16th November 2006. This was organised in conjunction with the European Commission in Dublin and it involved a student led debate between students from ITT and University of Limerick. The guest speaker for the evening was former Irish Times Washington correspondent Mr. Joe Walshe. An expert on Irish Foreign Policy, his speech focused on the impact of EU membership for Ireland’s policy of neutrality.

The event was hailed as a great success; Mr Harry O’Connor complimented the staff of ITT for the excellent organisation of the event and for the enthusiasm which the debate generated between the competing colleges. The happy outcome for the participating teams from ITT and UL was the opportunity to travel to Brussels to visit the European Commission and the European Parliament. This visit took place over a three day period at the end of March 2007. A group of 8 students and staff travelled from IT Tralee and 3 students from the University of Limerick. The group attended the European Parliament for its Plenary Session where they had the opportunity to listen to a speech delivered by Mr. Javier Solana, the High Representative for CFSP. They also met local MEP Mr. Brian Crowley. The other organised sessions included “An Introduction to the European Union” ( Mr. Harry O’Connor); “Ireland in the EU” (COREPER); “Lobbying in the European Union” ( Ms Barbara Wynne, IBEC). It was a wonderful learning experience for all and one which I hope will be repeated in the not too distant future. I include a piece written by one of the students which clearly highlights the importance of such trips from a student perspective.

Other events organised in the context of the Jean Monnet project included:

· Visit of MEP Kathy Sinnott in conjunction with the European Movement Ireland in December 2006

· Visiting Lecturer from Belgium, February 2007

· Visiting Speaker from Kerry County Council Arts Office, March 2007. Ms Kate Kennelly spoke to students of the Folk Theatre Studies degree about an EU sponsored project entitled “Arts in Adult Education”. This project is sponsored by the EU’s Socrates II programme ‘Grundtvig 2’ and its involves four EU partners, Ireland, Czech Republic, Greece and Hungary.

IT Tralee Trip To Brussels 2007

On Wednesday the 28th of March 2007,I had the privilege of travelling to Brussels with a group from I.T. Tralee and UL to further our education about the EU. As part of my B.A in Folk Theatre Studies,I must study EU Arts Policy for one semester. The objective of this module is to give students an understanding into how the EU promotes cultural inclusion and social cohesion through the Arts.

This trip offered all candidates an inside view into how each segment of the EU runs. On our first day we were offered the opportunity to sit in the VIP gallery of the European Parliament for a plenary session. Here we witnessed Mr. Solana the EU's High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy discuss, among many other issues, the deployment of anti-missile defence systems in Europe by the United States. The whole process was over-whelming, from the high-tech security procedures to enter the Parliament, to the actual building, complete with the many interpreter boxes, highlighting to us the complexity and linguistic diversity of the European Union.

The remainder of the trip was just as exhilarating with an informed discussion from Brian Glynn,(COREPER) on the impact European integration has had for Ireland. Our second day, now feeling very much an European citizen, we were escorted to the D.G for Culture and Education, where Harry O’Connor, from the EU Commission's representation in Ireland, provided us with a very comprehensive introduction to the European Union and its policies, this discussion however turned into somewhat of a debate. Ms.Barbara Wynne IBEC, introduced to us to the intriguing process of lobbying in the European Union.

The trip was a rollercoaster of education and learning, however us girls did make time for some retail therapy and sight seeing!! We all reluctantly returned to Kerry on the 31st of March after much pampering, wining and dining all thanks to the EU. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the European Commission in Dublin for affording ITT and UL students a unique opportunity to visit the headquarters of the EU in Brussels.

Sarah Walshe,
Folk Theatre Studies – Year 4
Institute of Technology,
Tralee,
Co.Kerry

EU's future debatable at ITT - EU Debate 2006.

A debate on the future of Europe took place at the Institute of Technology, Tralee, on Monday, February 27, 2006. As part of the activities sponsored under the Jean Monnet Project 2006, students from the School of Business and Humanities at the ITT debated the European Union's Constitutional Treaty. The motion for the debate was: 'This house believes the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe is dead - may it rest in peace.''

The event is one of many debates on European issues held at the ITT annually. The debate provides students with an opportunity to air their opinions and to discuss European matters of interest. The competing teams represented the Department of Business and the Department of Hotel, Catering and Tourism at the ITT.

The guest of honour for the event was Brian Crowley MEP. The debate was sponsored under an EU-funded programme, whose aim it is to support the introduction and development of European Integration Studies at universities and other higher education establishments in the member states of the EU. The institute has been awarded funding under the programme to aid the teaching of a short programme concentrating on European Integration Studies.

Members of the public were invited to attend the debate, which was followed by a question and answer session with Brian Crowley. The debate took place on Monday, February 27 at the ITT North Campus, commencing at 2.30 pm.

Dukes to attend IT event - EU Debate 2005.

Chief Executive of the Institute of European Affairs (IEA) Mr. Alan Dukes, was the guest at an EU sponsored event under the Jean Monnet Project 2005 in IT Tralee. This is an EU funded programme whose aim is to support the introduction and development of European Studies in universities and other higher education establishments in the Member States by way of contribution to the on-going debate on the future of Europe. The School of Business and Humanities hosted a student led debate on a topic germane to Ireland's membership of the EU on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at 3 pm in the North Campus.

2 teams drawn from the School of Business and Social Studies and the School of Engineering debated the EU's Constitutional Treaty in the context of enlargement and outlined the implications for Ireland. The debate was preceded by an address at 2.15 pm by Mr. Dukes on the Constitutional Treaty which was the subject of a referendum in Ireland later that year. Both events were free and open to the public.

The inaugural EU debate 2004

The inaugural Eu debate took place in 2004.
The motion of debate no.1: This house believes a Constitution for Europe is a Treaty too far.The teams: NCBS year 2 Vs NCBS Year 2. The teams consisted of Padhraic Fernane(Captain), Aine O'Sullivan, James O'Keeffe and Claire O'Connel Vs. Emer O'Connor(Captain), Michael Walsh, Shane O'Sullivan and Cathriona McCarthy.

The motion of debate No.2: This house believes that Irish Neutrality has no role in the European Union of the future. The teams: National Diploma in Tourism Year 2 Vs National Diploma in Construction/Civil Engineering. The teams consisted of Oonagh Neilan(Captain), Virginia Costelloe, Michael Lenihan and Seamus Heffernan Vs Mike Ashe(Captain), Donncha Fleming, Graeme Heasman and Michael Casey.

Kathy Sinnott MEP visits IT Tralee 2006

Kathy Sinnott MEP talks to IT students on her life as an MEP

pictured L/R are Lucy Kelly Crowe ITT , Pat McGarty ITT MoiraHealy Tralee, Michael Slattery Tralee , Carl Holland Tralee and Kathrina Purtill ITT. 19/2/06 Photo By: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus.©

Kathy Sinnott MEP talks to IT students on her life as an MEP pictured L/R Moira Healy Tralee, Michael Slattery Tralee , Carl Holland Tralee. 19/2/06
Photo By: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus.©

Lack of transparency and debate in India-EU free trade agreement

The widespread optimism about the possible signing of the India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) sometime in 2010 fails to take into account the many thorny issues that remain to be resolved. Not the least of them are the tariff negotiations on goods and some agreement on the trade in services. Apart from these , an area of concern is sustainable development and climate change raised by members of the European Parliament. Lena Kolarska-Bobinska, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and vice-chairwoman for the delegation for relations with India, points out that some 30 to 70 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have raised several issues relating to environmental aspects, marginalisation of groups of people and global warming in their meetings with MEPs.

More information on:
Lack of transparency and debate in India-EU free trade agreement

29 secondary schools to participate in Mock EU Council

29 secondary schools from across Ireland are meeting in Dublin Castle to debate a mock EU Directive on the use of electric cars in Europe. Teams of senior cycle students will represent the Minister for Transport from each of the 27 EU Member States in the annual Model Council of the European Union debate. St Paul's Secondary School, Oughterard in Co Galway will represent the European Parliament and Coláiste Iognáid from Galway city with represent the European Commission.

EU SIGN LIBRARY

The European Union has recently launched a new sign language website:
www.signlibrary.eu The website is part of a project which aims to give
access to literature for Deaf people by translating world literature into
Sign Language.

At present the project has partners in Austria, Germany, Hungary and
Slovenia who will translate a set of literary works and texts into the
respective national Sign Language. An expert jury consisting of deaf
peer-group-members and European literary and linguistic experts have chosen
the texts. Sign language poets and interpreters from the peer group of Deaf
people prepare these texts and translate them into Sign Language. These are
filmed available online or you download them for free.

The website will offer an open-space community and the possibility for
visitors to update their own “releases”. As part of the project guidelines
for the production of sign language books will be developed. These will
provide information on how to translate world literature into sign language.
People and communities who are interested in producing sign language books
(e.g. Publishing Houses, sign language Poets, Teachers, people studying sign
language etc), will get hints for a professional (but not expensive)
production, including information on the translation into „glosses“, sign
language-performance, recording, edition, and production of additional
material like glossary or digital text and the production of the
video-files.
The project aims to lay the foundations for the development of a long-term
online-library for all of Europe.

EUROTRIP – Are you up for the challenge?

27 January 2010 - This week sees the launch of Eurotrip, an exciting new competition which affords two media-savvy adventurers the opportunity to have a free trip around Europe this Spring, kicking off in Helsinki and finishing in Brussels, taking in some of Europe's most exciting capitals on the way. But the winning duo's trip around Europe has a twist. The winners must cover 16 countries in just 20 days – no small feat – and, if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, they will also be given 12 uniquely quirky and challenging tasks, designed to test their limits and that of Ireland’s EU membership.

The two lucky winners will be asked to share their findings along the way online, by tweeting and facebooking each day, talking about the places they visit, the people they meet and how they dealt with the challenges they were faced.

Euro-trip is organised as part of the "Talk to EU" public information initiative funded by the European Commission.

Ruth Deasy, Press Officer at the European Commission Representation said: "The aim is to unearth some interesting findings and insights on what it means to be European. We’re encouraging those interested to visit the website www.talktoeu.ie/eurotrip and to get involved. We’re looking for creative entries that stand out from the crowd and we’re encouraging interested participants to upload a video to showcase their personalities”.

Closing date for entries is the 10th March at 5.00pm. All entrants must be over 18 and free to travel from the 1st to the 21st April.

EFSLI receives EU funding !

European Forum of Sign Language Interpreter (EFSLI) is a European membership led organisation of Sign language Interpreters in national & regional associations, individual and associate members.

Efsli made a successful application to the Jean Monnet Programme under the Life Long Learning Programme. The grant is for the year 2010 only and is for all the training programmes and
schools that efsli is providing.

http://www.efsli.org/