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Frequently Asked Questions on 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 child and youth 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.

 

 


What is Comhairle na nÓg?

Comhairle na nÓg is a forum for young people, from each of the 34 City and County Development Board areas, to discuss local and national issues of relevance. Delegates from Comhairle na nÓg represent their local area at Dáil na nÓg.

 

Dáil na nÓg is an annual meeting of delegates from the Comhairle na nÓg in each City or County Council area. It offers the opportunity for children and young people of Ireland to represent the views of all Irish children at national level. For more information check out the Dáil na nÓg website.

The Children and Young People's Forum (CYPF) is comprised of 40 members which meets 3-4 times per year. Some members serve on specific sub-groups. 4 members serve on the National Children's Advisory Council. The CYPF have been consulted on numerous topics including road safety, recreation policy, food and nutrition. Refer to the CYPF page on this website for further information.

The National Children's Advisary Council is an independent advisory council which reports to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on the implementation of the National Children's Strategy. The Council is made up of 30 members including representatives of statutory agencies, voluntary sector, research community, parents and young people. Refer to the National Children's Advisory Council website for further details.

Student Councils offer a representative structure for second-level students, through which they can become involved in the affairs of their school. 
Student Councils work in partnership with school management, staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students. All second-level schools are encouraged to develop democratic and effective student councils. Students councils are officially recognised under the Education Act, 1998 and the National Children's Strategy. The Student Council of Ireland website gives full information.

To participate in your local area contact your City/County Development Board. These are located within the City/County Council and the websites address is generally of the form http://www.[county]coco.ie or http://www.[county]city.ie. There are 34 CDBs which will tell you about your local Comhairle na nÓg. The Student Council of Ireland website explains how to establish and/or participate in your school's Student Council.

Children and young people have made substantial contributions towards policy areas, bringing a new and fresh perspective to many issues. There are many forums for participation. You will find information in relation to many of these on this website.