Call for Citizens Assembly for young people

A citizens assembly on the future of our young people would be really helpful when it comes to government decisions on the future, according to Cllr Alan Tobin.

At a recent meeting of Meath County Council, Cllr Tobin proposed the council "ask the Irish government to consider a citizens assembly to discuss and recommend actions for the future development of our young people growing up in Ireland."

The motion was agreed. He said topics should include "an in depth analysis of the effects of social media on young minds, what state responsibilities are effective or lacking, modern parenting, personal youth responsibilities, if 16+ should have the right to vote and equality regarding opportunities in education."

"We have had six citizens assemblies on diffrerent things. We had one of drugs and on equality. There are going to be some very important decisions taken in the next number of months, possibly years on social media and other things that will effect young peole.

"This is a call for a citizens assembly on the future development of young people in our country.

"The citizens assembly works very well. It would be 100 people from different backgrounds, bringing in really important expertise on various subjects that could be really really helpful for government decisons on the future of our young people, who are a massive asset to the country. The government has to initiate it, and the oireacthas get it going." The motion was agreed.

- Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme