Wicklow Delegates Add Voice to Dáil na nÓg 2026 at Leinster House

Dáil na nÓg is an initiative of the Department for Children, Disability and Equality and was first established in 2001.

Six Wicklow delegates are among more than 170 under 18's shaping the conversation on Education in Ireland.

174 young delegates from local youth councils across Ireland met for Dáil na nÓg at Leinster House to debate key issues like exam stress, the Irish language and continuous assessment.

Dáil na nÓg, Ireland’s National Youth Parliament, provides a platform for young people to speak about and make recommendations on the issues that most affect them. 

Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy chaired the Opening Session in the Dáil Chamber stating:

It is a great privilege to welcome young people into Dáil Éireann. The Dáil Chamber is at the heart of our democracy, and it is vital that young people have the opportunity to bring their voices directly into it. In an increasingly polarised and online world, it is encouraging to see young people from all backgrounds come together in person to engage respectfully and constructively with one another on the issues that affect their lives.

The level of insight and thoughtfulness shown by delegates today is a powerful reminder of the role young people play in shaping the future of our society.  

 I commend all of the young people involved for their contributions today and hope it will play a valuable role in informing national policy.

Delegates from Comhairle na nÓg, from each of the 31 local authorities across Ireland filled the committee rooms in Leinster House.  They took part in workshops  and debates, with discussions held around how these areas are affecting the experiences of children and young people in their schools and changes that need to be implemented to address challenges and improve the experiences of young people.

Following a formal vote in the afternoon identified their priority topic. The delegates views will be shared with the Convention on Education for consideration.