Pupils present research at Leinster House

TRANSITION-year pupils of Coláiste Muire, who have made it their mission to make Ennis an age-friendly town, have taken their plans to the Government this week.

The pupils, who have been investigating Positive Ageing as part of their Young Social Innovators project, have already presented their research to Government members at Leinster House this week. On Thursday, they have been invited to attend the launch by President Michael D Higgins in Dublin Castle of the 2012 Active Ageing and Solidarity Between Generations.
Patricia Goan, regional programme manager of Age Friendly Counties at The Ageing Well Network, facilitated the launch at Dublin Castle. “This is a huge honour for the students, as they will be one of the youngest to attend the launch,” said teacher Finola Howard.
The project, being carried out by all of the transition-year class, saw the pupils communicate with the aged community of Ennis and identify some of the problems affecting them in their day-to-day lives. They have already made a presentation of their research to members of Ennis Town Council, including proposals to change traffic light timings and introduce special road signs. Pupils have also carried out initiatives including computer classes, a discount scheme and graveyard cleaning.
On Wednesday, the pupils presented their findings to Minister Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State at the Department of Health and the Department of Justice, Equality and Defence, with special responsibility for Disability, Older People, Equality and Mental Health.
Senator Mary White, who has written a number of publications on ageing and ageism, was also in attendance, along with senators Martin Conway, Tony Mulcahy, David Norris, Eamonn Coughlan, Jillian van Turnhout and Pat O’Neill. A number of TDs were also in attendance.
Ennis Town Councillor Mary Howard, who joined the pupils on their visit, said, “They did a fantastic job. The presentation was well received by everyone. They ended up doing it three times because there was so much interest and people kept coming in. The whole thing really captivated people.”
She said while it was hoped the Taoiseach would see the presentation, he had a prior engagement. However, plans are underway for the pupils to return to Leinster House to meet him.