Dáil na nÓg 2026

What a day it was for Wicklow Comhairle na nÓg!

I have the rewarding job of coordinating Wicklow Comhairle na nÓg. Six of our young people travelled to Leinster House to take part in Dáil na nÓg, Ireland's national youth parliament. Held every two years since 2001, Dáil na nÓg brings together approximately 200 elected delegates from all 31 local youth councils across Ireland to debate and vote on issues of real national importance for young people. It is always a landmark event in the youth work calendar, and this year was no exception.

Our young people got to take their seats in the Dáil chamber itself, with the Ceann Comhairle chairing the day's proceedings, exactly as she would any other sitting of the Dáil. It was a powerful moment and one I know our young people won't forget in a hurry.

The two topics up for debate were continuous assessment and Irish language teaching. Chosen delegates had three minutes each to make their case from the chamber floor, and I am delighted to say that two of our own Wicklow young people stood up and spoke. They represented Wicklow brilliantly and should be incredibly proud of themselves.

After the debates, delegates moved into workshops to explore both topics further before casting their votes on which issue would go forward to the Education Convention. Irish language teaching was the clear winner on the day.

I also want to give a special mention to one of our young people who served on the steering group for the organisation of Dáil na nÓg this year. It is no small undertaking to help coordinate an event of this scale, and she did a fantastic job. It was wonderful to see her taking on that level of responsibility and rising to it so well.

Days like this are a reminder of why this work matters. Our young people have important things to say – and Dáil na nÓg gives them the platform to say it at the highest level. Wicklow showed up, and I couldn't be prouder. 💚