Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Youth Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020

Thursday, 3 December 2020

Ceisteanna (108)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

108. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions he has taken to date to ensure the commented operation of Comhairle na nÓg in the context of Covid-19 restrictions. [40752/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The importance of listening to children and young people is fundamental to the work of my Department and, to that end, Ireland is unique in Europe in having a National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-making. My Department is responsible for policy leadership in the participation of children and young people in decision-making and for oversight of participation structures including Comhairle na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg.

Maintaining the operation of Comhairle na nÓg has been a priority since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency. My Department worked quickly to ensure supports were in place to assist Local Authorities and Comhairle co-ordinators in their role as convenors of local Comhairle na nÓg.

My Department developed COVID-19 Youth Sector Guidance to support both youth work and youth participation work. This Guidance was communicated to all Local Authorities and Comhairle co-ordinators to drive their operating plans during restrictions.

By moving to an online model, Comhairle Co-ordinators could continue to engage with their members throughout COVID-19 restrictions and continue to ensure that young people are a central part of decision-making structures in their communities.

An additional fund of €93,000 was provided to allow Comhairlí to purchase ICT equipment, thereby sustaining the ongoing operation of Comhairle through online means.

I am very happy to confirm that, as a result of the work of all those responsible for Comhairle na nÓg, all 31 Comhairle na nÓg AGMs have taken place on a virtual platform this year. The work of the National Executive of Comhairle na nÓg progressed in relation to their selected topic of Sustainable Transport Solutions. Moreover, on December 5th, the Comhairle na nÓg Showcase will take place online for the first time ever.

The Showcase line-up will include a host of special guests, including young people who will talk about the impact Comhairle has had on them. Adult decision-makers such as the Taoiseach and myself will talk about how we will engage with Comhairle members and members will vote to decide the future direction of the important work of the National Executive.

Barr
Roinn