Event report

The Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne T.D. met virtually with participants of Gaisce-The President’s Award on 1 July 2021 to discuss 3 Conference Topics Suggestions and proposals raised under each topic are as follows: Climate Change and the Environment - The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and how in particular national Governments can support it. - Calling for a complete eradication of Single Use Plastics and the need for more amenities such as water fountains to help change people’s behaviours towards single use plastics and initiatives to encourage people to recycle plastic bottles. - More research needed for carbon capture technologies - The agricultural impact of climate change including the need for a programme such as Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) so that farmers do not feel excluded or left behind. Education, Culture, Youth and Sport - Same supports for those with additional needs such as autism throughout the EU - Ensuring every third-level student has the opportunity to undertake an Erasmus exchange (some courses are restricted from undertaking an Erasmus) - A Central Applications System for all University courses at European level to allow students from other Member States to apply seamlessly for university courses in another member state. - More post-COVID recovery supports for artists and cultural performers - Standardisation of University Fees and charges throughout the EU - The need for a second (or third) EU Language to be taught at 3 or 4 years of age and the creation of a scheme for the promotion of language learning at primary level - The promotion and protection of minority languages (not just EU working languages) throughout the EU European Democracy - The need for a directly elected European Commission President - The need for greater protections at EU level with regards to violence against women and the LGBTQI+ communities - The need for polling places to be more accessible.