More than 170 young delegates at Dáil na nÓg debate to shape conversations on education

More than 170 young delegates from Comhairle na nÓg (local youth councils) across Ireland met in Dáil Éireann on Friday to debate the issue of education, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland. The outputs of Dáil na nÓg will be submitted to the Convention on Education for their deliberations.

Dáil na nÓg, Ireland’s National Youth Parliament, now in its 24th year, tackled a range of issues related to education, including reforms to the Relationship and Sexual Education curriculum, creating resources for Our Voices, Our Schools and school and exam stress.

The biennial parliament, which provides a platform for young people to speak about and make recommendations on the issues that most affect them, was hosted by the Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy, who chaired the opening session in the Dáil Chamber.

As part of the process delegates engaged in a number of preparatory sessions where they received presentations from the Convention on Education and discussed their key issues before voting on the top five topics they would like to explore further. They then narrowed the five topics down to two: the Irish language and continuous assessment. They were brought forward to Leinster House for greater discussion and debate before a final vote took place.

Discussions were held around how those areas affect the experiences of children and young people in schools and what changes need to be implemented to address the challenges and improve experiences. Following a formal vote in the afternoon, where delegates processed through the lobbies of the Dáil, their priority topic was voted on. The issues will be submitted directly to the Convention on Education for consideration, highlighting a key priority for young people in Ireland.

Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, said: “It is wonderful to see such passion for education and a desire from young people to improve the education system for all. From the moment children are born, they are learning. Early learning and care and school-age childcare settings play key roles in supporting children’s learning, development and well-being in their early years, complementing the central roles of parents, communities and schools.

“We need to listen to the voice of children and young people, and I am pleased that the views and vision of Dáil na nÓg delegates will be brought forward to the Convention on Education.”

Ms Murphy added: “It is a great privilege to welcome young people into Dáil Éireann. The Dáil Chamber is at the heart of our democracy, and it is vital that young people have the opportunity to bring their voices directly into it. In an increasingly polarised and online world, it is encouraging to see young people from all backgrounds come together in person to engage respectfully and constructively with one another on the issues that affect their lives.

“The level of insight and thoughtfulness shown by delegates today is a powerful reminder of the role young people play in shaping the future of our society. I commend all of the young people involved for their contributions today and hope it will play a valuable role in informing national policy.”

Further information on Dáil na nÓg and the work of Comhairle na nÓg is available at www.comhairlenanog.ie.