Clare students gather for Comhairle event

STUDENTS from the county’s 18 secondary schools will participate in an event showcasing the work of Clare Comhairle na nÓg at Cois Na hAbhna in Ennis on Monday.
The Comhairle steering committee, comprising Clare County Council, Clare Youth Services and Clare VEC, is hosting the annual event.
The Comhairle, which is part of a programme being run by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, is a local forum for young people where they can discuss local and national issues of relevance to them.  Issues explored by Comhairle members this year included healthy living, sex education and student ID cards.
The youth council, which meets eight times a year, gives members the opportunity to raise matters that concern them with the relevant authorities and agencies, in particular to liaise and consult with Clare County Council, the HSE and others, on issues of relevance to young people.
The council members also nominate students to represent the county on the national executive each November when comhairle representatives from 34 local authority areas around the country convene in Dublin.
According to Comhairle na nÓg co-ordinator, Nicola Cullinan, “More than 150 secondary school students, ranging in ages from 12 to 18, will be present at Monday’s event, which will feature presentations from existing comhairle members on the work they have achieved since their election in October 2011”.
Ms Cullinan noted the Comhairle provides an invaluable opportunity for young people, under 18 years of age, to have their say in relation to issues that affect their lives.
She added, “Participants will be facilitated by Clare Youth Service staff to identify key issues that they would like to see addressed. In recent years, issues raised and discussed by students have included bullying, healthy living, sex education, alcohol and drugs. At the end of the day, 20 to 25 young people will be elected to the Clare Comhairle na nÓg. The Comhairle will be supported to identify and prioritise a small number of key, achievable aims that they will work on over the coming year.”
Further information on Comhairle na nÓg is available from Nicola Cullinan, Comhairle na nÓg co-ordinator, Community and Tourism, Clare County Council, at 065 6846222 or ncullinan@clarecoco.ie.