Laois teens debate issues and speak on concerns in Dáil

Pictured: Laois delegates Logan Smyth, Abbie Holmes, Kacie Constantinou, Chloe Kavanagh, Róisín Bhreathnach and Veniamin Sahaidac

placeholder image — Pictured: Laois delegates Logan Smyth, Abbie Holmes, Kacie Constantinou, Chloe Kavanagh, Róisín Bhreathnach and Veniamin Sahaidac

Laois students travelled to Dáil Éireann as part of Dáil na nÓg

A group of Laois teens recently travelled to Dáíl Éireann to share their views and debate concerns.

Six young people from Laois Comhairle na nÓg travelled to Leinster House on Friday 1 May to take part in Dáil na nÓg, Ireland’s National Youth Parliament.

Laois delegates Logan Smyth, Abbie Holmes, Kacie Constantinou, Chloe Kavanagh, Róisín Bhreathnach and Veniamin Sahaidac joined 170 young representatives from Comhairlí na nÓg across the country to debate the critical issue of education- one of the biggest concerns for young people in Ireland.

Pictured: Laois student Kacie Constantinou speaks as delegates listen on

Now in its 24th year, Dáil na nÓg gives young people a national platform to share their views and make recommendations on issues that affect their lives.

Delegates are elected through their local youth councils, with Laois Comhairle na nÓg playing a key role in preparing the county’s representatives for the day.

Laois Comhairle na nÓg coordinator, Rosemary Kunene, said the event showed just how vital it is to involve young people directly in decisions that affect their lives.

“Seeing our Laois delegates contribute so confidently to national discussions on education proves the importance of genuine youth engagement,” she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Róisín Bhreathnach speaks to the gathered delegates and Government officials

In the lead-up to the event, the young people took part in workshops where they heard from the Convention on Education and selected the topics they felt most needed attention.

Two key themes emerged for debate in Leinster House: the Irish language and continuous assessment in schools.

Hosted in the Dáil Chamber by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, the event saw delegates outline how these issues impact their school experience and what changes they believe are needed.

Further discussions took place in committee rooms, and the recommendations agreed on the day will now be submitted directly to the Convention on Education for consideration.

Minister of State Emer Higgins also addressed the young parliamentarians, emphasising the importance of listening to young people’s insights on education policy.