Seanad na nÓg convenes as part of Seanad 100 commemorations.

Welcoming this significant event Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Joe O’Reilly said “The Seanad has championed minority voices since its foundation 100 years ago.  It is fitting, that in its centenary year, the Seanad is empowering the voice of young people.  The Seanad na nÓg delegates are aged between 14 and 18 years old.  They have grown up in a pandemic, in lockdown, giving them experiences and perspectives, which are unique to their age group.  Today, we will absorb their wisdom, reflect on their insights and act on their recommendations.”

Speaking on behalf of the delegates, Co-Chair of Seanad na nÓg, Etse Oshiogwemoh said “We have rolled up our sleeves and worked hard to make sure that Seanad na nÓg is more than symbolic.  It must deliver results. We have deliberated, debated and decided on five themes that mean a lot to us.  It is these themes that we will discuss today. We also wish to thank the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Senator Mark Daly for attending one of our preparation sessions.”

Minister Roderic O’Gorman thanked Seanad na nÓg for the invitation to attend and speak. “Today the delegates at Seanad na nÓg will speak up and speak out for all young people, especially for those who find it difficult to speak up for themselves. It is our duty to listen and to act. I’m delighted that my Department can support them in doing this not just today, but all year round through their local Comhairle na nÓg, the Gaisce programme and the Joint Award Initiative as well as other youth participation initiatives. It’s so important that we provide young people with the support and outlet to engage with decision makers and have their voices heard.

It is an honour to be in attendance today and I commend the delegates for the work, thought and time they have put into their deliberations”.

The five themes chosen for discussion by the delegates are:

• Cost of student living: the barriers this creates for access to higher and further education and how this limits where, what and whether young people can study.
• Education for life: the role of the education system in preparing young people for life after school, the importance of career guidance and the support needed by young people for 21st century life and work.
• Access to Healthcare: the unaffordability and inaccessibility of healthcare and the impact this has on young people.
• Social Life and Amenities: the consequences of the lack of safe social spaces and access to facilities.
• Financial Inequality: How the different forms impact independence.  The experiences of young people in care once they turn 18 and the lack of support to transition to independent living.

Following the day-long event, delegates will make a recommendation to the Seanad on a specific theme for debate by Senators along with the relevant Government Minister.  

Leas Chathaoirleach, Senator Joe O’Reilly thanked Comhairle na nÓg, Gaisce and the Joint Award Initiative for their substantial input and support in making Seanad na nÓg a reality.

Ends.

Media contact: DHR Communications Patricia Ryan 087 2412928 and Joanne Ahern 087 9881837

Notes to Editors

Spokespeople available. 
Photos will be issued by Maxwells

Running Order 

2.00pm - Opening Session: Seanad Chamber

• Chaired and Opening remarks by the Leas Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Joe O’Reilly
• Opening inputs by six young people.
• Input from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman T.D.
• Discussion

2.55pm - Workshops and Discussion on Topics 

• Voting will reduce five themes to two.

4.00pm - Closing Session and Vote: Seanad Chamber

• Co-chaired by Leas Chathaoirleach and delegate Etse Oshiogwemoh
• Input by one young person on each of the two priority themes before the delegates vote 
• Vote between two themes as the main recommendation by young people to the Seanad
• Response to the theme voted on by Leas Chathaoirleach

4.40pm  Close

Comhairle na nÓg

Comhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the 31 local authority areas of the country, which give children and young people a voice in the development of local services and policies. They are the recognised national structure for participation by children and young people in local decision-making, supported by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). 

Comhairle na nÓg enables young people’s voices to be heard in two ways: working on topics of importance to young people; and acting as a consultative forum for adult decision-makers in the locality.

Comhairle na nÓg are supported by the DCEDIY Comhairle na nÓg Development Fund. Local Authorities also provide funding and resources for Comhairle na nÓg, as well as other organisations at local level. DCEDIY also funds regional Participation Officers, who provide advice, resources and training to all 31 Comhairle na nÓg co-ordinators as well as other supports through the National Participation Office.

Gaisce – The President’s Award

Gaisce –The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people aged 14 -25 which aims to improve young people’s confidence, wellbeing and outcomes through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and realise their potential.  Gaisce is focused on, and driven by, the following core values: Empowerment, Inclusion & Equality, Respect and Excellence. Gaisce comes under the aegis of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. 

The Joint Award Initiative (JAI) 

Gaisce – The President’s Award and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award work in partnership through the Joint Award Initiative (JAI) to offer Award participants in Northern Ireland a choice of recognition for their achievements. They can choose a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a Gaisce – The President’s Award or a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Certificate. The Award is the world’s leading youth achievement Award which gives 14-24 year olds the opportunity to be the best they can be.