In advance of Dáil na nÓg 2024, mental health was identified by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nÓg as the focus of their discussion. School stress was the topic that emerged as the one Dáil na nÓg delegates felt government should be prioritising when it comes to young people’s mental health, and the incoming Comhairle na nÓg National Executive was tasked with advocating for policy change to address this issue.

The National Executive designed a survey in 2025 about School Stress to identify key themes and solutions for the topic. 273 Comhairle na nÓg delegates of the National Showcase in spring 2025 answered the survey, out of whom 50% said that their experience of school stress was 7/10 or higher.

The following suggestions received the highest percentages in quite/very helpful (solutions): 
• Clear communication about the Leaving Cert Reform (89.5%)

• Exam papers and textbooks available in libraries (87.5%)

• Discounted or free Exam papers (87%)

• Free supervised study (85.5%)

• Training and support for teachers and school staff about mental health (85%)

• Discount for StudyClix (85%)


The group presented their findings to Dr Caroline Cleary, an Educational Psychologist at NEPS (National Educational Psychological Service) and later to the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Partners’ Forum.

The group is presenting this information to School Leaders, Decision makers at the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) Symposium and at Dáil na nÓg 2026. We are sharing it here as an available resource, and you can contact the National Participation Office if you would  like to discuss this survey further by emailing info@participation.ie

View the full presentation here.