Citizens of Ireland, we the children of Clarecastle National School, wish to address the people of Ireland about our concerns and aspirations for this country in 2016 and in the future. We have decided on several issues that need urgent attention. These priorities, we hope, will transform and improve the lives of all citizens so that every individual will “have life and live it to the full”.

Our wish is to live in a nation that reflects what we experience here in our own school, every day: a caring, safe, happy, clean, friendly and green environment that we enjoy. To do that, however, we will ask you, our generation, to work towards changing and improving many aspects of life in Ireland today.

We declare that no Irish citizens should be discriminated against because of his/her race, religion, gender or ethnic beliefs. We advocate that Ireland should be a country that offers equality, respect and dignity to all its citizens just as our forefathers had envisioned. We hope to live in a society that focuses on a person’s abilities rather than disabilities.

We would love to have an improved health system for all people in Ireland. As a nation, we need to reform hospital conditions and treatment of patients. Physical activity and the importance of a healthy diet need to be promoted more in schools and in work environments. Both physical and mental wellbeing play an important role in a healthy, happy and well adjusted society.

Our great nation is often referred to as ‘the land of saints and scholars’ and our hope is that education will be at the forefront of the development of this country. All citizens should enjoy equal access to a high standard of education. We need a working economy, focusing on Ireland’s natural produce to create jobs for our talented and highly skilled workforce. We aspire to protect our existing national and local companies including Roche Ireland. Children should receive enterprise education in order to encourage the establishment of home grown businesses to help our economy and reduce the need for emigration. Everyone should have the right to pursue the career of their choice and to receive the necessary education to follow dreams.

While our individual sense of patriotism varies, each citizen must strive to preserve our national identity namely our Tricolour, anthem, language, Irish music, song and dance. We will continue to celebrate our unique games: hurling, football, camogie and handball. We strongly believe that our native tongue is fundamental to our culture and our desire is that it will continue to flourish. Mar a deirtear:

“Tír gan teanga, Tír gan anam”

Our greatest wish is for Ireland to host a major international event. This would be a fantastic opportunity to showcase our nation to the world, to welcome people from other lands and ultimately promote tourism.

We, the students of Clarecastle National School are respectful of our past, grateful for our present, and encourage future generations to carry the torch of courage and independent thinking.

Guímid, mar aonad aontaithe anseo sa scoil, go mbeidh saoirse, siocháin, sláinte agus saibhreas spioradálta go flúirseach ag gach duine in Éirinn.