Young politicals gather at Leinster House for Dáil na nÓg

More than 160 young delegates from Comhairle na nÓg youth groups across Ireland met in Dáil Éireann this morning to debate the critical issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, according to organisers.

Mental health was identified by more than 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nÓg as their priority issue for discussion in advance of today, which they feel that the Government should do more to address.

The biennial parliament was hosted by the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, who chaired the opening session in the Dáil Chamber. There were closing remarks in the chamber from Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler.

Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman thanked the Ceann Comhairle and the Houses of the Oireachtas Citizen Engagement Team for working with his department to make Dáil na nÓg 2024 happen.

“I know that Minister [for Education Norma] Foley and her officials have engaged very positively with the outgoing national executive on their topic of relationships and sexuality education,” Minister O’Gorman said.

Discussions were held around how mental health affects the lives of young people in their communities and what changes need to be implemented to address these challenges and improve the experiences of young people in Ireland.

The delegates also made a proposal to the Department of Education who welcomed their work and committed to consider ways in which to implement their recommendations.

Chairing the debate, Mr Ó Fearghaíl, told those gathered: “The young people gathered here today are a powerful force for change. At a time when parts of the world are in turmoil with war, hunger and the devastation of climate change, it is you who hold the keys to your own future.”

In her closing remarks to delegates, Minister Mary Butler said: “I was really pleased today to listen and engage with articulate young people across all 31 Comhairle na nÓg. The voice of younger people must be heard and listened to, particularly on issues such as youth mental health.”

The topic voted on today will form the basis of the incoming Comhairle na nÓg national executive’s formal workplan for the next two years.