Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Youth Participation in Politics.

Pat Carey

Question:

621 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recommendation (details supplied) of the seventh National Youth Parliament in the context of its concern with the low level of involvement of young people in politics today and the disil lusionment of youth with political parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21503/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the concern expressed at the seventh National Youth Parliament in relation to the involvement of young people in politics. I acknowledge and place great value on the work carried out at the National Youth Parliament which under the auspices of the National Youth Council of Ireland encourages youth participation not only in the political arena but at all levels. The National Youth Parliament also acts as a forum for young people to express their opinions on the issues with which they are concerned.

I would like to refer the Deputy to the results of the poll conducted by the National Youth Council of Ireland in relation to the recent EU and local elections and which were published last week. This poll demonstrated that factors other than disillusionment of youth with political parties were the main reasons for the low level of youth participation in those elections.