Six young people from Laois travel to Leinster House to debate mental health

Six young people from Laois travelled to Leinster House to take part in Dáil na nÓg, Ireland’s National Youth Parliament. 

Shauna Traynor, Dan Bergin, Lucy Doyle, Anna-Maria Sahaidac, Veniamin Sahaidac and Jack Marron were among 160 young delegates from Comhairle na nÓg (local youth councils) across Ireland which met in Dáil Éireann to debate the critical issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, particularly since the pandemic.

Mental health was identified by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nÓg as their priority issue for discussion in advance of the day, which they feel that the Government should do more to address.  

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 three mental health topics.

Chairing the debate, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, told those gathered: “The young people gathered in the chamber are a powerful force for change. At a time when parts of the world are in turmoil with war, hunger and the devastation of climate change, it is you who hold the keys to your own future. Your discussions today on the themes of Mental Health, Body Image and School Stress will evoke thoughts and compassion for your peers and colleagues. If there is one thing I would encourage you to do in this Chamber today, it is to listen completely. When you listen you play one part of the conversation. The golden rule of being a good speaker is to be a good listener.”
 
In her closing remarks to delegates, Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People Mary Butler added: “I was really pleased to listen and engage with 160 articulate young people across all 31 Comhairle na nÓg. The voice of younger people must be heard and listened to, particularly on issues such as youth mental health. I want to thank each and every one of these young people for the valuable contributions they are making to society. As advocates representing young people across Ireland, I have heard your voices today and I share your vision for improvement and progress, especially in relation to signposting services that are available for young people to support their emotional wellbeing and to support positive mental health. I am familiar with the fantastic work that Comhairle na nÓg do. Our young people are the future leaders and it is great to see them here in the Dáil chamber today discussing such an important topic.”