Sacred Heart Grammar School , Newry, is to represent Northern Ireland at a competition in Durham in September when a team will be selected to represent the UK at the European Youth Parliament.

The Newry School secured their place at the selection event when they debated with four other schools at the 11th Northern Ireland European Youth Parliament Forum held in the Market Place Theatre, Armagh , on Wednesday, March 9.

The five schools took on the role of the Committees as they operate in the European Parliament and debated their own resolutions throughout the day. The Committees cover Constitutional Affairs, Employment and Social Affairs, Transport and Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Development and Co-operation.The Forum is chaired by alumni who represented Northern Ireland at previous UK European Youth Parliament Selection Weekends.

Sacred Heart Grammar School , Newry and Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry, represented the Southern Education and Library Board area. Christian Brothers Grammar School , Omagh, Thornhill College , Derry and Mount Lourdes Grammar School , Enniskillen, represented the Western Education and Library Board area. Caitrìona Hughes, SELB International Officer and UK EYP vice-chairperson, said the European Youth Parliament seeks to promote awareness and understanding of European issue through debate. “It gives students an opportunity to research, discuss and formulate policy in a manner equivalent to European Parliamentary procedure and to debate issues arising in a fresh and stimulating environment,” said Ms Hughes.