European Movement Ireland

So it is really important that we teach our children from an early age about misinformation and disinformation.

And this is why we at European Movement Ireland developed this programme.

And from our perspective, we believe that digital media literacy is as important as literacy.

So educational programmes such as the Blue Star Programme are fundamental to combating disinformation and misinformation.

It is transforming the way in which we work, the way we learn and the way we live.

So we can't just not give children opportunities access to this technology, they are going to use it, but we do need to provide them with the tools that they need to be able to use it in a safe way.

And that's why we at the European Movement Ireland have launched this programme.

So, Brian, we're seeing AI generated images, videos and even voices becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality.

So we think this is a good moment to reach out to such an Irish voice for insights as to where we stand.

Where is Ireland in the EU and what is the EU and its future? So no better woman to do this today than Noel, because Noel has been the former CEO of European Movement Ireland.

and she's currently the Vice President for European Movement International.

In this context, she's worked in the EU arena for nearly 20 years, and she has direct experience of several Irish presidencies over the years.

Delighted to be back here in Eurofound once more with you.

Excellent.

So, Noel, you served as CEO of European Movement Ireland for 14 years.

And of course, you are currently still vice president of European Movement International.

That's according to Cyber Safe Kids, where school children are constantly being bombarded with misinformation and disinformation online to try and combat this.

European Movement Ireland is encouraging students in Limerick and beyond... to enrol in their Blue Star programme.

Joining the programme now to tell us all about the strategy, Brian Hearn, Head of Communications at European Movement Ireland.

Morning, Brian.

Good morning.

So this is a great opportunity to not only learn about EU in an age appropriate way, but also to really look at, I suppose, how we use different sorts of technology, such as AI and, you know, to really be thinking, guessing children to be thinking critically on how they use it and to question the information, the sources of information that they're looking up online.

Okay, very good.

Brian Hearn, Head of Communications at European Movement Ireland.