Comhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the 31 local authorities of Ireland, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies and is designed to enable young people to have a voice on the services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area.

The objectives of Comhairle na nÓg are to support the implementation of the National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision Making (2015 –2020) and Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures (BOBF) by providing information, guidance, training and practical support to Government Departments and agencies; to develop, document and disseminate innovative international best practice on children and young people’s participation in decision-making, including updating the database of best practice publications and resources on www.hubnanog.ie ; and to form partnerships with third-level and adult education institutions to oversee development of education on the right of children to a voice in the context of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, for professionals who work with and on behalf of children and young people.

Young people’s voices in Ireland are given a platform through a structured format to support their voices being heard on local services and policies and have the opportunity to experience the process of government through involvement in local youth councils.

You can view more details on Comhairle na nÓg here:

* Image: Participants of Comhairle na nÓg Group