Teenagers seek more influence in the work of the Dáil and Seanad

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has called for her political colleagues “to ensure that strong links are made between Comhairle na nÓg and the work of the Houses of the Oireachtas”.

The Minister was speaking at a meeting called Your Comhairle Needs You!, where young people asked TDs and Senators to take teen issues and the work of the 34 Comhairle na nÓg into account in Dáil and Seanad business.

Minister Fitzgerald noted: “Comhairle na nÓg are fast becoming the recognised voice of young people in local communities and are working on a wide range of topics identified by young people themselves. These topics include mental health, bullying, sexual health, racism, stereotyping, youth facilities and combating homophobia. The work of Comhairle na nÓg provides an opportunity for us politicians to develop a greater understanding of the issues that concern young people”.

A number of young people from the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive outlined what they want from politicians. Andy Forsythe (Cork City Comhairle na nÓg) said: “At Dáil na nÓg 2011, the young people identified the need for the Houses of the Oireachtas to listen to what Comhairle na nÓg have to say on a wide range of topics and to take that information into consideration”.

Felicity Heavin (Westmeath Comhairle na nÓg) said: “Our message to politicians is ‘Your Comhairle Needs You! Our national ask is that we want politicians to incorporate the work of Comhairle na nÓg into the business of the Dáil and the Seanad.” Felicity further stated that the Westmeath Comhairle was asking Oireachtas members to:

Safeguard funding for the Comhairle na nÓg; Set up an annual session where the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive can meet TDs and Senators; and Attend the Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase biennial event”.

Also speaking at the event, Mark O’Brien O’Reilly (Meath Comhairle na nÓg) noted: “Our local ask is that we want politicians to become up-to-date with the work of their local Comhairle na nÓg”. Mark further stated that the Meath Comhairle was asking Oireachtas members to:
Attend their next local Comhairle na nÓg meeting;

Network with other TDs and Senators who are working on topics similar to those of their local Comhairle na nÓg; and Follow their local Comhairle na nÓg on social media networks.

Kevin Brennan (Kerry Comhairle na nÓg) concluded by saying: “We have prepared an information sheet on each of the 34 Comhairle na nÓg, outlining the topic they are working on, meeting dates and contact details. We urge every politician here today to meet with the representative from their local Comhairle na nÓg and take the information sheets.”