Voting age, the teaching of politics in schools and safety distances for cyclists were just some of the items up for discussion when Meath East TD and Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty hosted a special meeting of Meath Comhairle na nÓg at Government Buildings last week.
The Minister organised a room for the Comhairle in Government Buildings, and joined the group for a wide ranging discussion on matters facing young people today. Minister Doherty said: “I was delighted to meet Meath Comhairle na nÓg in the Oireachtas. What lively minds and mature view, they are a credit to themselves and their families. I am very grateful to them for letting me join their meeting. When I meet young people who can make their points so clearly and so respectfully, I know that our future is in good hands”.
Comhairle na nÓg is a group of child and youth councils in the 31 local authorities from across Ireland. It gives children and young people an opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies.
There are 25 members in the Meath Comhairle na nOg group, and 20 attended the Oireachtas meeting, all aged 14-17 years.