Taoiseach, Minister Norma Foley, and hundreds of Young People Gather at Dublin Castle for Comhairle na nÓg’s 2025 National Showcase
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Ó: An Roinn Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige
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● Over 400 Young People Engage with Ireland’s Key Decision-Makers on National Issues
Dublin Castle became a hub of youth empowerment today as young people from across Ireland gathered for the 2025 Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase. The event brought together the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, members of Government and Senior Government Officials to engage directly with young people on the issues that matter most to them. Presenter and podcaster Fionnuala Jones was the MC for the event, that was attended by over 400 young people aged 12-17.
Hosted by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the biennial Showcase provides a national platform for the 31 Comhairle na nÓg groups to present their work and connect directly with decision-makers on policies that impact their lives. The Showcase highlights the power of youth-led action, policy influence, and social change, demonstrating the powerful influence of young people in driving progress across Ireland today.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the event, stating: “Comhairle na nÓg provides young people across the country with the opportunity to have their voices heard. I am delighted to see so many energetic and engaged young people here today expressing their views on topics that impact them. It is of the utmost importance that we consider their inputs, and keep their futures in mind, in all of our Government’s work.”
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, highlighted the importance of youth participation, saying: “Comhairle na nÓg is a fantastic forum for young people across Ireland, giving them an opportunity to share their views and influence policy development on a local, regional, and even national level. Today’s event provides these young people with an excellent opportunity to speak directly with policymakers, Government representatives and those having a direct impact on their lives on a wide range of issues, and I have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing it first-hand.”
Throughout the day, young people participated in panel discussions, interactive exhibitions, and networking sessions with policymakers and government representatives. These discussions tackled pressing issues such as mental health, education reform, climate action, and youth rights, reinforcing the significant role young people play in shaping Ireland’s future.
'The most important aspect of the Comhairle Showcase is connection. It allows young people from all over the country to connect with each other, to share ideas and perspectives and most of all to connect with decision makers. As well as that, we are given the opportunity to see the work of other Comhairlí, and bring those ideas back to our own Comhairle and our own projects.'
Connor Knapp - Cork City Comhairle na nÓg
The 2025 Comhairle na nÓg Showcase at Dublin Castle proved to be an inspiring, thought-provoking, and impactful event that celebrated the power of youth participation in Ireland today.