Tipperary young people have face-to-face meeting with the Taoiseach

Eleven young people from Tipperary had the chance to meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Norma Foley at a special event held in Dublin Castle.

The 11 Tipperary young people were part of a 400-strong delegation of youth empowerment who attended the Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase.

Hosted by presenter and podcaster Fionnuala Jones, the event brought together the Taoiseach Michaél Martin, Minister Norma Foley, Members of Government and Senior Government Officials to engage directly with young people on the issues that matter most to them.  

The biannual Showcase provides a vital platform for the 31 Comhairle na nÓg groups to present their work and connect directly with decision-makers on policies that impact their lives.

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The Showcase highlighted the power of youth-led action and demonstrated how young people are influencing policy development at local and national levels.

The members of the Tipperary delegation were Patrick Cawley, Ben Kennedy, James Holmes, Michael Kolodziejczak, Ian Grisewood, Ellie Chadwick, Eoin Tarpey, Chloe Duggan, Jessica Fogarty, Olivia D'Arcy, Abigail Strappe.

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," the Taoiseach added.

Patrick Cawley from Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg shared their perspective: "Comhairle na nÓg has given me lots of skills and opportunities plus a vision for my future."

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said that the event highlighted how important it is for young people to get involved in decision-making.

"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," she added.