Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
120. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the national youth climate assembly is on track to commence in early March 2022; the way that the assembly will be structured; the topics that members will consider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9359/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Youth Climate Assembly is a core deliverable of the Programme for Government and the National Dialogue on Climate Action. It is a collaboration between my Department and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It will be an annual event which allows the participation of children and young people in decision-making according to the National Participation Framework.
The first National Youth Climate Assembly will take place remotely on 2 March this year. A preparatory meeting was held on 18 February. This allowed the representatives attending to hear presentations from climate experts and participate in workshops on a wide variety of issues.
The National Youth Assembly will capture the views of young people on climate issues and allow them make recommendations to inform the development of the annual update of Climate Action Plan. A Youth Advisory Group has been convened to inform the design, format and methodology for the National Youth Climate Assembly. Participants were nominated by organisations, including Comhairle na nÓg, youth organisations, student representative bodies, and appropriate organisations to ensure a diverse and inclusive representation.
There will also be representation from the National Youth Assembly at the National Climate Stakeholder Forum.
