Children’s Version of the Irish Presidency Policy Programme launched at Stackallen National School

The children’s book Ireland’s EU Presidency: Ní neart go cur le chéile has been launched at an event in Stackallen National School in the county.

During the Monday morning whole-school assembly on 7th September, pupils of Stackallen NS heard the book’s author, inaugural Laureate na nÓg Siobhán Parkinson, read aloud from the children’s version of the Irish Presidency Policy Programme for the first time.

Launched by The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, Minister McEntee also addressed the Stackallen school community.

The Minister and author presented signed copies of the book to the school’s sixth class pupils, and spoke to students about the book, Ireland’s EU Presidency, and the school year ahead.

Ireland’s EU Presidency: Ní neart go cur le chéile is a children’s version of the Irish Presidency Policy Programme, which was launched on 10th June 2026. Creatively interpreted by Siobhán Parkinson and illustrator Nene Lonergan, each chapter of the book explores an aspect of the work of the Irish EU Presidency.

Written in Irish and English, the book explains Ireland’s objectives for the Presidency term using language and imagery that are engaging and accessible for readers aged 8-12.

Speaking after the event, Minister McEntee said: “I’m delighted to be here in Stackallen today to launch this special book and, most importantly, to share it with the children who will be reading it in classrooms and at home across the country.

“Our Presidency of the EU is a really important opportunity for Ireland to shape the European agenda, but it is also an opportunity to bring Europe into classrooms and to help a new generation understand the part Ireland plays in Europe.

“Sometimes the work of the EU can feel quite distant or complicated. This book brings it to life in a way that is fun, accessible and relevant to children, showing them that the decisions being discussed in Europe connect to their lives, their communities and their future.

“I hope children will enjoy reading it, ask questions about it and, perhaps most importantly, realise that they too have a place in Ireland’s European story.”

As part of the Presidency outreach and engagement programme, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade commissioned Little Island Books to publish the book specifically for 6th class children.

Deliveries of the book to 3,217 primary schools, including special schools, are taking place in the period 1st to 11th September 2026. Principals have been invited to distribute a copy of the book to every 6th class pupil attending in 2026/2027. Limited copies of the book will be available through the Irish library network later this month, and a digital version will be available online.