Mayo's young people help shape Ireland’s EU Presidency priorities at Seanad na nÓg 2025

Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Mark Daly and Senator Maria Byrne along with Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley welcomed the second Seanad na nÓg event on Friday November 14. This event brings together 60 delegates under the age of 18 from Comhairle na nÓg and other organisations to discuss their priorities for the government to consider in advance of Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026. 

Seanad na nÓg was co-chaired by Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, Leas-Chathaoirleach Senator Maria Byrne and Christian from Kerry Comhairle na nÓg. Welcoming this significant event Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly said “The Seanad continues to empower the voice of young people. The Seanad has championed minority voices since its foundation. Today, we will absorb their wisdom, reflect on their insights and act on their recommendations.” 

Speaking ahead of the event, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Maria Byrne said “I am delighted to welcome the delegates to the second Seanad na nÓg. This event really does emphasise the importance of providing our young people with a voice in the development of local services and policies. I very much look forward to co-Chairing the meeting and reading the recommendations that will be presented to the Government for consideration to be included in Ireland’s priorities for Ireland’s EU Presidency in June 2026.” 

Young delegates to Seanad na nÓg 2025 will discuss the priorities they have identified for the Government to consider as part of Ireland’s overall priorities for the EU Presidency in 2026. These are: 

• Peace and Security: examining peace and security in a digital world and the threats of deepfakes. 
• Climate Action: Promoting climate action in an inclusive and cooperative manor to tackle the climate crisis. 
• Education & Youth: Advocating for increased training for guidance counsellors, greater mental health support in education and greater resources allocated to special education.
• Cost of Living: Examining the cost of living through the lens of a young person or person with a disability. 
• Substance Misuse: Advocating for increased mental health supports and community service to be funded to act as early intervention mechanisms to prevent the misuse of substances. 
• Children in Care: The difficulties facing children in the care system and how it can be improved to create better outcomes for children in care. 
• Equality: The need to continue to strengthen the rights for all, and to come together and stand with those who feel the fear of inequality.

 Speaking on behalf of the delegates, Co-Chair of Seanad na nÓg, Christian said “I'm really looking forward to Seanad na nÓg 2025, it's such a great event that allows us to enter the Senate chamber and discuss the issues that matter to young people. It gives young people under 18 a voice in our democracy, even though we can’t yet vote. It's great that young people can give their input on the important EU Presidency Ireland will hold next year, as we'll inherit whatever EU this generation's leaders leave to us, and that includes Ireland. I'm honoured to be co-chairing the sessions alongside Senator Mark Daly, the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann.” 

Minister For Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley said “I am so pleased to take the opportunity to acknowledge Seanad na nÓg 2025. Congratulations to all the students who have travelled from all across the country to be part of this very important gathering, sharing thoughts and ideas with the Government in advance of the Irish EU presidency. A particular word of thanks to Senator Mark Daly, the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, for facilitating this gathering and also to Christian from Kerry Comhairle na nÓg for co-chairing. I really look forward to hearing all your deliberations and all that will come out of today." 

Following the day-long event, delegates will make a series of recommendations to the Government for their consideration to be included in Ireland’s priorities for Ireland’s EU Presidency in June 2026. Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Mark Daly thanked the delegates for their substantial input and support in making Seanad na nÓg a reality.

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