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.
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Seanad na nÓg in Leinster House
Seanad na nÓg convened on 10 November 2022, with delegates from all over the island of Ireland, as part of the Seanad 100 commemorations.
This event gave young people the opportunity to debate a number of topics selected by young people themselves.
Speaking in the debate, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Joe O’Reilly, said "The Seanad has championed minority voices since its foundation 100 years ago. It is fitting, that in its centenary year, the Seanad is empowering the voice of young people."
Following the day-long event, delegates chose the topic of the cost of student living for discussion by Senators with a relevant Minister.
Explore the themes
- Cost of student living
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Under this theme, young people discus how unaffordable Ireland is as a place to live, especially for younger generations, and how this leads to high numbers of young people considering leaving Ireland.
In particular, delegates discuss the cost of living for students and the barriers to higher and further education this creates, which in turn affects their studies.
- Education for life
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Under this theme, young people explore the role of the education system in preparing them for life after school, whether it is in college, training or work. They discuss in particular the importance of career and life guidance, and how schools should support young people to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they will need for 21st century life and work.
- Access to healthcare
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Under this theme, delegates discuss how unaffordable and inaccessible healthcare can be, particularly in more rural areas and in the context of rising costs, which disproportionately affects young people.
- Social life and amenities
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Under this theme, delegates consider the lack of safe social spaces for young people and the consequences this can have.
They also consider the benefits they experience from having access to spaces and opportunities to socialise with one another, as well as the real importance of these youth-friendly spaces outside of school and sports clubs.
- Financial inequality
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Under this theme, young people focus on different forms of financial inequality and how they affect young people. They consider in particular how difficult it can be to leave home and become independent, as young people under 20 are not entitled to the full minimum wage and are still considered dependants of their parents until the age of 23 in some cases.
They also discuss the experiences of young people in care once they turn 18 and the lack of support for them in transitioning to independent living.
Who are the members of Seanad na nÓg?
Delegates to Seanad na nÓg are a diverse group representative of a variety of backgrounds and perspectives of young people on the island of Ireland.
These young people are part of:
- Comhairle na nÓg, an initiative of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Gaisce, or the President’s Award
- The joint Award initiative in Northern Ireland
Preparing for Seanad na nÓg
Young people have finalised key themes for discussion at Seanad na nÓg.
The framework for the process was provided by the National Participation Office, an initiative of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.