Young people from Counties Louth and Meath are among 200 youngsters from across Ireland who have gathered at Dublin’s Convention Centre today to debate a wide range of issues under the common theme of equality at Dáil na nÓg 2022.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the biennial event which platforms the voices of young people on the issues which matter most to them. Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman will make an address and engage with young people at the event.
This year’s Dáil na nÓg explores the theme of equality as young people, through their local youth councils (Comhairle na nÓg), have been investigating the challenges and opportunities in a variety of areas including mental health, climate change, body image, drugs and alcohol, youth facilities and LGBTIQ+. This theme was chosen by young people as the area of most importance to them and a vote will take place on three areas of equality on the day.
Previous years’ themes included climate action, education, and transport. In 2019, a debate and vote on sustainable transport solutions saw delegates from the Comhairle na nÓg councils propose a new policy to offer reduced fares to young people in response to the recognised need to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transport options; this was successfully introduced by Government in Budget 2021 as well as the Government’s Climate Action Plan.
Participants at Dáil na nÓg 2022 are looking to influence policy at Government level to advance the areas of equality they see as important.
A panel discussion at today’s event will see Cllr Yemi Adenuga, Ireland’s first black female elected representative, RTE Radio DJ and LGBTQI+ advocate Stephen Byrne, Children’s Rights Alliance CEO Tanya Ward, and Aoife Price, disability advocate with Disability Women Ireland engage in an insightful and exciting discussion on the theme of equality from a variety of different perspectives.
Meath students taking part in Dáil na nÓg (back) Alanna Heussaff, Daegan Browne, Faith Akinbowale, Doireann McGill (front) Alina Mardari, Michelle Byrne, Grayson McGill.
Speaking ahead of the event, Taoiseach Michael Martin said he was delighted to see so many young people engage with issues that matter most to them through the Dáil na nÓg forum.
“I am grateful that this year’s theme is equality, as I know there is much work to be done in this area across all parts of our society” he said.
“I commend the young people taking part in Dáil na nÓg and indeed for their participation throughout the year in Comhairle na nÓg meetings. Their opinion matters and we as a Government will continue to listen to their thoughts and concerns as we strive for a diverse and inclusive society for all.”
