Council gives students backing to make Kells a Fairtrade Town

Kells is to become a Fairtrade town following a decision by the local town council last week to support the efforts of Eureka Convent secondary school students who want Fairtrade principles adopted in the town. At last week's meeting, Cllr Sarah Reilly proposed a motion calling for Kells Town Council to adopt Fairtrade procedures. Cllr Reilly explained that the Eureka students were actively seeking to have Kells certified as a Fairtrade town and, to do so, they needed the support of the local council. Fairtrade is an organisation which promotes better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives. "Recently, I received a letter from Clodagh Kenny, a transition year student in Eureka, asking for my support and guidance to assist the class achieve their Fairtrade objectives," said Cllr Reilly. She said she was chuffed to be have been asked and told the other councillors that "it would be prudent for this council to credit and recognise the efforts of our local students. It is fantastic to see the Eureka transition year students using their free year to make a positive improvement to the town". The Fine Gael councillor said that, under the Fairtrade Town goals and guidelines handbook, certain criteria must be fulfilled by the town council to receive Fairtrade status. For example, Fairtrade tea and coffee must be served in the council canteen and at council meetings and the council must actively promote Fairtrade practices in its publications. The councillors agreed to abide by rules set out in the Fairtrade handbook and commended the Eureka students on their campaign.