Five young people from Westmeath at Dáil na nÓg 2024

Five people from Westmeath are among the 160 young delegates from Comhairle na nÓg (local youth councils) across Ireland who met in Dáil Éireann to debate the critical issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, particularly since the pandemic.

Mental health was identified by more than 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nÓg as a priority issue for discussion in advance of the day; they feel that the government should do more to address it.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, said: “I thank the Ceann Comhairle and the Houses of the Oireachtas Citizen Engagement Team for working with my department to make Dáil na nÓg 2024 happen.

“I know that Minister Foley and her officials have engaged positively with the outgoing national executive on their topic of relationships and sexuality education.

“I am also grateful to Minister Butler for attending to hear directly about the mental health issue selected by all the Comhairlí na nÓg for debate by their delegates to Dáil na nÓg.

“The incoming national executive will work on this issue over their two-year term, and the support of Minister Butler and officials in the Department of Health will be a critical element in the impact they can have.”

Dáil na nÓg, Ireland’s National Youth Parliament, now in its 22nd year, tackled a range of issues related to mental health, including body image, school stress, and mental health services.

The biennial parliament, which provides a platform for young people to speak about and make recommendations on the issues that most affect them, 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 and Older People, Mary Butler.

Delegates from Comhairle na nÓg, representing the 31 local authorities in Ireland, filled the committee rooms in Leinster House as they took part in workshops to debate the three mental health topics.

Discussions were held on 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.

Following a formal vote in the afternoon, when delegates processed through the lobbies of the Dáil, school stress was selected as the priority topic.

That will inform the work of the incoming Comhairle na nÓg National Executive 2024-2026, who are tasked with advocating for policy change in this area during their tenure.

Turning debates into decisive actions

Previous years’ themes have included equality, climate action, education, and transport. The 2022 delegation voted for ‘more inclusive relationships and sexuality education’ as the priority topic. To progress that, the national executive 2022-2024 contributed their views to two National Council for Curriculum and Assessment submissions, attended round table discussions hosted by the NCCA on the content, and conducted surveys with Comhairle na nÓg members.

They have also invited and taken part in discussions with relevant experts in the field from the Department of Education, Dublin City University, the Health Promotion Research Centre and the World Health Organization.

They have 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, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, told those gathered: “The young people gathered in the chamber 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.

“Your discussions today on the themes of mental health, body image and school stress will evoke thoughts and compassion for your peers and colleagues. If there is one thing I would encourage you to do in this chamber today, it is to listen completely. When you listen you play one part of the conversation. The golden rule of being a good speaker is to be a good listener.”

In her closing remarks to delegates, Minister Mary Butler said: “I was really pleased to listen and engage with 160 articulate young people from 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.

“I want to thank every one of these young people for the valuable contributions they are making to society. You are advocates representing young people across Ireland, and I have heard your voices today; I share your vision for improvement and progress, especially in relation to signposting services that are available for young people to support their emotional wellbeing and to support positive mental health.

“I am familiar with the fantastic work that Comhairle na nÓg do. Our young people are the future leaders and it great to see them here in the Dáil chamber today discussing such an important topic.”

Dáil na nÓg is organised by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in association with members of Houses of the Oireachtas and government. It is an initiative of the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and was established in 2001.

The topic of school stress voted on at Dáil na nÓg will form the basis of the incoming Comhairle na nÓg National Executive’s formal work plan for the next two years. The national executive is made up of one representative from each of the 31 Comhairlí na nÓg and follows up on the recommendations from Dáil na nÓg to make changes for young people in those areas.

The national executive has a term of office of two years and meets once a month, and is facilitated and supported by the National Participation Office and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, who ensure that they get the opportunity to engage with appropriate ministers, policy-makers, Oireachtas committees and other decision-makers.

Minister O’Gorman further concluded: “I am pleased that Dáil na nÓg sat in the Dáil chamber, with delegates from each of the 31 Comhairle na nÓg local youth councils. This youth parliament convenes every two years and is an important way for members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and government to hear directly from children and young people on the priority issues that need to be addressed. I have been happy to support and promote the voice of children and young people in Government decision-making and applaud the young people who have come here today to advance this important work.”