31 youth councils across the country
Seanad na nÓg
Thursday 10th November 2022
As part of the celebrations for Seanad100, marking the centenary of the first sitting of the Upper House of Ireland’s Parliament, 60 youth delegates from the island of Ireland participated in Seanad na nÓg, a series of sessions in the Seanad.
Seanad na nÓg convened on 10 November with delegates from all over the island of Ireland. Delegates debated and discussed five themes selected by young people as being most important to bring before the Seanad. Inputs were as follows – you can watch the full proceedings here
- The Story So Far: the process so far and the importance of youth participation – Saoirse Lloyd, Louth Comhairle na nÓg
- Cost of student living – Tori Trower Westmeath Comhairle Na nÓg
- Education for life – Gabriel Morut, Gaisce, Kildare
- Access to healthcare – Caleb Pennill, Clare Comhairle na nÓg
- Social life and amenities – Meabh Hughes, Joint Award Initiative, Tyrone
- Financial inequality – Christine Houghton Limerick Comhairle na nÓg
Following the day-long event, delegates chose the topic of the Cost of Student Living as the issue of most significance to young people in Ireland today. This will now go forward for discussion by Senators with a relevant Minister
Preparatory sessions: 22nd October and 24th September 2022
This celebration has created an opportunity for young people to become involved in Seanad na nÓg. One representative from each Comhairle was invited by sitting Senators to take part in Seanad na nÓg, in addition to young people from Gaisce – The President’s Award, and the Joint Award Initiative in Northern Ireland
Purpose of Seanad na nÓg
The purpose of Seanad na nÓg this year is to gather young people from around Ireland to discuss, and to eventually make a single recommendation/issue for the Seanad to address in the future. The theme of Seanad na nÓg is connected to one of the major themes of Seanad 100 – Minority Voices, Major Change. The workshop discussions that young people had as they built up to a recommendation also fell under this theme.
Two preparatory workshops have been held in September and October.
Minority Voices, Major Changes
Minority Voices, Major Changes is a celebration of Senators who have been political, social or economic change makers who championed issues and causes that were often less visible or important to the mainstream political system and use their position to advocate for change.
