Dáil na nÓg puts debate focus on youth facilities and minorities

THE lack of adequate facilities for young people and the need to better integrate minority groups will be debated when 200 delegates meet for Dáil na nÓg today.

The annual parliament brings together young people from around the country to discuss the issues on which they wish to see action.

The delegates were selected by youth councils in each county.

The discussion on facilities for young people will examine practical aspects of the recreation policy being developed by the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) and will focus on safe, youth-friendly facilities for young people who are marginalised, disadvantaged or have a disability.

Sligo delegate Beverly Wallace said young people are well able to listen but also need to be heard.

“There’s a real shortage of places to go and things to do for young people in towns around the country. We need more activities to stop young people just hanging around the streets,” said the 16-year-old fourth-year student of Ballinode College in Sligo town.

“The Government needs to employ more people and get more activities going in clubs and youth groups.”

While this is one of the most crucial issues affecting young people, Dáil na nÓg will also focus on concerns about migration and interculturalism.

Although there has been much focus in recent years on integrating the growing numbers of immigrants, Philip McCarron from Donegal believes we must also continue working with the Traveller community.

“They’ve always been part of our community but people still abuse them and call them names, which is wrong. We need to tell people they should be treated with respect and they’re equal to the rest of us in every way,” he said.

The fourth-year student at Scoil Mhuire Buncrana said there has also been huge growth in the number of non-nationals in the region.

“They are treated well in school, but maybe not as good in the wider community. In school, we get a chance to learn about their heritage and how they were brought up before coming here, so schools should have a greater role in integration,” said the 15-year-old.

Dáil na nÓg is organised by the National Youth Council of Ireland, Foróige and Youth Work Ireland, with funding provided by the OMC.

Children’s Minister Brian Lenihan will address delegates this morning and take part in a question and answer session with them.