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FAQsWhat is Comhairle na nÓg?Comhairle na nÓg (Youth Council) provides a forum for children and young people from each Local Authority City/County Development Board area to discuss local and national issues of relevance to them. What do members of Comhairle na nÓg do?Members of Comhairle na nÓg hold regular meetings to discuss important issues. They have established regular sessions which link with the adult representatives of City and County Councils. In 2004 the National Children's Office (now the OMC) commissioned an independent review of Comhairle na nÓg. The report, known as the Murphy Report was published in 2005, highlighted the fact that 'practices across the country vary considerably both in the quality of Comhairle na nÓg events/programmes and the frequency whereby young people come together to give voice to their views and to make their views known'. Through additional funding provided in 2007 it is aimed to bring all Comhairlí to function at this level. When was Comhairle na nÓg established?Comhairlí na nÓg have been established since 2002 by City/County Development Boards in each of the 34 Local Authority areas throughout the country under an initiative from the National Children's Strategy to provide an opportunity for young people, under 18 years of age, to have a say in issues that affect their lives. It is composed of representatives of secondary schools, youth organisations and hard to reach groups. Why was Comhairle na nÓg established?According to Goal 1 of the National Children's Strategy giving a voice to young people is partially achieved through the Comhairle na nÓg. Comhairlí na nÓg create participation for children and young people in decision making and local democracy. Comhairlí members have played substantial roles in developing local and national policies. Continued support and participation is vital to the continued success of Comhairle na nÓg. You might consider contacting your local City/County Development Board to see how you might get involved. If you are an adult/teacher/parent you might encourage children and young people to avail of the opportunity to have their say on issues of local and national importance in an appropriate forum. How do I contact my local Comhairle na nÓg?Click on the 'Find Your Local Comhairle na nÓg' tab above for contact details on Comhairle na nÓg in all City / County Development Boards. Further Information from OMCYA on Comhairle na nÓg?If you require any further information or have any queries, please contact What is child and youth participation?This is children and young people being part of the policy making process. The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has helped to establish platforms for young people to put forward their views on many issues of interest to young and not so young alike. How are children's and young people's views taken into account?Goal 1 of the National Children's Strategy commits to giving children a voice in matters that affect their lives. There are many ways in which children and young people can present their views on issues relevant to themselves, their communities and their peers. These include Comhairle na nÓg, Dáil na nÓg and Student Councils. Where has child and youth participation made a difference?Children and young people have contributed towards development of policies at local and national policy areas; bringing a new and fresh perspective to many issues including road safety, anti-bullying, inter-culturalism, alcohol awareness, environmental issues and many many more. What are the main forums for child and youth participation?There are many forums for participation. You will find the following links to the various participation fora Dáil na nÓg
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