D’arcy encourages Louth students to take part in Young Senator Challenge

Fine Gael Louth Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Education, Jim D’arcy, is encouraging transition year students in Louth to take part in Seanad Éireann’s Young Senator Student Challenge before the closing date for entries later this month. The project aims to encourage students to broaden their knowledge and interest in Ireland’s parliament.

The Young Senator Challenge is an exciting project that aims to get students more involved in the political process. There is often a perception that a divide exists between the parliament and the real world; this challenge bridges that gap by getting transition year students to think about how they would address the Seanad.

Students can choose to either write an essay or compile a video of a speech they would give to the Seanad on one of two topics; (i) Do you think the Leaving Certificate prepares you for life? (ii) The challenges that face Ireland and does my future lie here? Essays should be between 500 and 750 words, while videos must be between one and a half and two minutes.

A shortlist of students will be chosen to attend the Seanad in the Spring, giving them a great opportunity to see and experience how the Upper House operates first hand. Transition year provides a wonderful outlet for students to take a closer look at aspects of our society that they may not have encountered before.

Young people have a huge amount to offer the political system, and I believe it is vital that as politicians we encourage them to share their views. With this challenge, students have the opportunity to tell Senators how they feel about their prospects for their future. I have no doubt that we can learn a lot from their insight, energy and enthusiasm.

The closing date for entries is Friday, January 25th. With students due back to school this week it is the perfect time to think about what sort of speech they would like to give to Seanad Éireann. For more information, you can email [email protected]/* */