RTÉ, in association with the Houses of the Oireachtas, announced earlier this week that a Youth Parliament will be convened in Dáil Éireann on November 15 to address the climate crisis.
This landmark event is happening in recognition of the leadership of young people in highlighting climate issues and in the context of the centenary of the first Dáil.
The RTÉ on Climate Youth Parliament is seeking 157 young people from 10 to 17 years of age from across Ireland with strong views on how Ireland needs to address the climate crisis.
This number reflects the current number of TDs in Dáil Éireann and proceedings on the day will be chaired by Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghail.
The delegates gathered from across Ireland will convene in Leinster House on Friday, November 15 to establish the next urgent steps for Ireland and present them to the nation live from the Dáil Chamber on RTÉ and Oireachtas TV.
‘Huge passion’
Dee Forbes, Director-General, RTÉ said: “The young people of Ireland have shown huge passion on the climate issue. They are committed to finding solutions and RTÉ is listening. We want to enable them to raise their voices even louder through their public service media organisation. By partnering with the Houses of the Oireachtas and convening a special Youth Parliament, we are demonstrating a shared commitment to an issue of great importance and to our most important resource of all: our young people.”
Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl said: “As we continue to mark the 100th Anniversary of the first sitting of Dáil Éireann I am delighted that the Houses of the Oireachtas in collaboration with RTÉ are reaching out to the young people of Ireland. We have seen how passionate they are about protecting the environment and expressing their concerns on climate issues.
“I was particularly taken with the energy and enthusiasm displayed by young people as they gathered outside Leinster House recently to express their concerns. It is fitting that the future generation come into Leinster House and have their voices heard in the Dáil Chamber and I very much look forward to welcoming them and hearing from them first hand.”
Applications
Applications are open on www.rte.ie/youthparliament and will be open to all young people from 10 to 17 years of age who are resident in the Republic of Ireland.
The Youth Parliament is the first in a number of initiatives to be announced as part of RTÉ on Climate which will see a focus on the climate crisis across TV, radio and online content.
