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Dáil na nÓg 2003: Teenagers want
alternatives to drinking and the Leaving Cert changed!
- 16 November 2003 -
Minister for Children, Brian Lenihan TD, today
opened the third annual Dáil
na nÓg.
"The recommendations made by you today will be followed up and negotiated
by you through social partnership. I congratulate the National Youth Council
of Ireland (NYCI) on identifying social partnership as the framework for implementing
your recommendations," said the Minister.
David Hopkins, of Fingal Comhairle na nÓg, who co-chaired the Dáil,
said that delegates from last year’s event were dissatisfied with the
level of political follow-up and action on their recommendations. Minister
Lenihan assured the delegates that he is committed to their views being heard
and acted upon and that he will present the report of the Dáil to the
Cabinet Committee on Children.
"The National Children’s Strategy, which promotes children and
young people having a voice in matters that affect them, is Government policy," stated
the Minister.
192 delegates, aged 12-18 years, elected through
their local Comhairlí na
nÓg, from every county in the country, attended the event. The two themes,
selected in advance by delegates, were drug and alcohol abuse and educational
disadvantage.
On drug and alcohol abuse the delegates said:
- We need more facilities, leisure centres, discos, youth clubs and other alcohol-free
activities;
- Information and education is too late or not at all – we need campaigns
on drugs and alcohol from primary school up;
- We want advertising to highlight the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse;
- We need support to overcome peer-pressure;
- Alcohol is part of our culture – adults need to change too.
Minster Lenihan acknowledged that the lack of non-pub entertainment facilities
for teenagers is a major national issue and guaranteed delegates that a recreation
policy for 12-18 years olds will be prepared by the NCO.
On educational disadvantage the delegates said:
- Too much pressure on students - we want the points system changed and more
continuous assessment;
- A wider, more practical curriculum and holistic education to suit all students;
- More support for students from disadvantaged areas and those with disabilities;
- More freedom and flexibility to choose subjects and options;
- Teaching methods should be modernised and teachers inspected;
- Genuinely free education - school costs are too high – uniforms,
books etc;
- Students to be respected and more involved in school decision-making.
The NYCI was contracted by the National Children’s Office (NCO) to organise
and run Dáil na nÓg 2003. The NCO worked with NYCI and a steering
group of young people, representatives from City and County Development Boards
and from children’s and young people’s organisations, to organise
the Dáil.
Officials from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Health and Children, Education
and Science and the drugs strategy team were present to listen to the views
and recommendations of delegates.
Contact:
Anne O’Donnell – Head of Communications, National Children's Office
01 242 0006 / 086 383 7320
Laura O’Mahony – Press Officer, National Youth Council of Ireland
01 478 4122 ext 220 / 086 8035388
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