On Friday, 1st May 20206, 174 young delegates from Comhairle na nÓg (local youth councils) across Ireland met in Dáil Éireann to debate the critical issue of education, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland. The outputs of Dáil na nÓg will be submitted to the Convention on Education for their deliberations.  

Dáil na nÓg, Ireland’s National Youth Parliament, now in its 24th year, tackled a range of issues related to education, including reforms to the Relationship and Sexual Education curriculum, creating resources for schools Our Voices, Our Schools and school and exam stress. 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, Verona Murphy, who chaired the Opening Session in the Dáil Chamber. 

Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality said: 

“It is wonderful to see such passion for education and a desire from young people to improve the education system for all. From the moment children are born, they are learning. Early learning and care and school-age childcare settings play key roles in supporting children’s learning, development and well-being in their early years, complementing the central roles of parents, communities and schools.

We need to listen to the voice of children and young people, and I am so very pleased that the views and vision of Dáil na nÓg delegates will be brought forward to the Convention on Education.”

The Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, stated: 

“It is a great privilege to welcome young people into Dáil Éireann. The Dáil Chamber is at the heart of our democracy, and it is vital that young people have the opportunity to bring their voices directly into it. In an increasingly polarised and online world, it is encouraging to see young people from all backgrounds come together in person to engage respectfully and constructively with one another on the issues that affect their lives.

 The level of insight and thoughtfulness shown by delegates today is a powerful reminder of the role young people play in shaping the future of our society.  

 I commend all of the young people involved for their contributions today and hope it will play a valuable role in informing national policy.”

As part of the process delegates engaged in a number of preparatory sessions where they received presentations from the Convention on Education and discussed their key issues before voting on the top five topics they would like to explore further. They then narrowed the five topics down to two – The Irish language and continuous assessment. These were brought forward to Leinster House for greater discussion and debate before a final vote took place.

Delegates from Comhairle na nÓg – representing each of the 31 local authorities across Ireland filled the committee rooms in Leinster House where they took part in workshops to debate the Irish language and continuous assessment within schools. Discussions were held around how these areas are affecting the experiences of children and young people in their schools 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 where delegates processed through the lobbies of the Dáil, their priority topic was voted on.  These issues will be submitted directly to the Convention on Education for consideration, highlighting a key priority for young people in Ireland.

A member of the Dáil na nÓg Steering Committee said: 

“As a member of the Dáil na nÓg 2026 Steering Committee, I have worked with my partners on the Committee and the people coordinating it to ensure that Dáil na nÓg runs as smoothly as possible and that everyone enjoys the day. As part of my involvement, I have helped to decide the branding used on the day, such as the colour pattern on the banners, and also what is included in the bags for delegates on the day.”

Dáil na nÓg is organised by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in association with members of Houses of the Oireachtas and Government.

Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins said: 

“It’s a real privilege to be here today to represent government and to hear Dáil na nÓg delegates discuss the important topic of education and knowing these discussions will help inform the Convention on Education. It’s really clear from the discussions here today that young people are key to identifying the issues that affect their lives on a daily basis, and it’s important that as a government, we take the time to listen and learn from those valuable insights.”

Dáil na nÓg is an initiative of the Department for Children, Disability and Equality and was first established in 2001. Further information on Dáil na nÓg and the work of Comhairle na nÓg is available at www.comhairlenanog.ie.