When researching this essay, I found numerous websites and blogs, each telling me what the E.U. had done for them. I continued looking for information on the Internet but I suddenly realised that I couldn't find what the European union did for me from other people. No, I would have to look closer to home ... Iiterally! I decided to go through my usual day and find out what exactly this "European union thingy " was doing for me!

First stop was my house in Co. Cavan. I discovered that a lot of the basic needs in the home, for example the water scheme, were funded by the E.U. After researching the matter further I found out that the in fact spending €4,460,OOO this year on the water that was flowing through my taps!! I also found that there were many grants that my family were eligible for. For example, grants which would help us to erect solar panels and renew our insulation to comply with current E.U. standards. I also learned that the broadband I used to research this essay was partly funded by the E.U.

After eating my breakfast (which the E.U. assured me was fully traceable from "farm to fork "), I got on the school bus. Although this bus was not funded by the E.U., I learned that the new fleet of double Decker buses, which travel from Cavan to Dublin on a regular basis, were. These are the buses that I use to travel to Dublin on a regular basis! This is a fine example of what the E.U is doing for me!

On the way to school I was on the lookout for anything, which was funded by the E.U. and which also, benefited me. A few minutes later a blue and white sign came into view. The sign told me that the road I travelled on to school everyday was co-funded by the E.U. along with the National Roads Authority. When I looked into this in more detail I found out that many of the roads in my area, for example the N3 Cavan/Dublin Road, the N55 Cavan/Athlone Road, various sections of the N54, the N8?, the Cavan Town bypass and the Virginia bypass. These all benefit my daily life by helping to eliminate unnecessary traffic jams and stress!

From my own research I was pleased to discover that almost all the farms which I passed on the way to school, were eligible for grants to build new sheds and out buildings which would make it easier for them to produce their farm products. These are the foodstuffs, which I buy in my local market. I was also relieved to see that the E.U. are working with farmers in Ireland to pass laws which would help stop pollution caused by these farms. This by extension would improve the quality of the air, lakes and rivers in my surrounding area, which leads to many health benefits.

Just before we reached my school we passed through a small town called Kilnaleck. Before I had started my research for this essay I hadn't realised what the E.U. had done for this small town but soon I learned that the new footpaths and the new trees that were spotted around the town were co-funded by the E.U. Over €93'328 was spent on these two projects. This has definitely benefited both the local community and myself. We also passed a sign that pointed in the direction of my local swimming pool, which has recently received a grant to extend its gym. This grant was given to the swimming pool by the E.U. and it has greatly improved the facility.

As the bus wound through the country roads I wondered what the E.U. was doing for the lakes and rivers, which surrounded my house. I use my local lake Lough Sheelin to swim in and I was worried about pollution and the disposal of toxic waste around the lake. I was relieved however when I learned that Lough Sheelin is a "special protected area" and that the EU is working with farmers to compile a set of laws which would be sure to protect this lake and others from pollution.

Finally the bus pulled up in front of the school. In schools across Ireland the healthy eating programme "Food Dudes" is promoting a balanced diet for children and teenagers. This programme is co-funded by the E.U. Although this programme was not run in my primary school at the time I was in attendance, my sister participated in it last year and it helped me to develop a balanced and healthy diet.

The E.U. does not stop at school however. After I leave school I have the option of studying in a university anywhere in the E.U., If I decide to take a "gap year" I am free to travel anywhere in the E.U. thanks to the freedom of movement which E.U. members enjoy. I also have the privilege of being able to work anywhere in the E.U. This is also thanks to the freedom of movement benefit for E.U members.

Although during my writing of this essay I have discovered how much the E.U. does for me, I do have a recommendation, which I would like to put forward.

As I have mentioned previously, Secondary School buses are not funded by the EU. and the cost of these has risen sharply in recent times and could rise further. I propose that the EU. introduce a grant, which would help families in need to meet this cost.

This essay illustrates only a fraction of what the E.U. does for me. The E.U. has made many other improvements to my life in the last ten years and I hope that my recommendation will be considered to help other teenager's lives like mine in the next ten years.