For the Operation of Comhairle na nÓg and Associated Activities

Tender description

Comhairle na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg, initiatives facilitated by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, facilitates participative democracy for young people. The National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision Making commits to the development of a 5-year Development Plan for Comhairle na nÓg to develop guidance for Children and Young People’s Services Committees on engaging children and young people in their work. Comhairle na nÓg (Youth Councils) are now recognised as the voice of young people in the Local Community Development Committee structure in their local authority area. The purpose of the Comhairle na nÓg is to provide a forum for children and young people from each local authority area to discuss local and national issues of relevance to them. Delegates from Comhairle na nÓg are elected to represent their local area at the annual national Dáil na nÓg. An expert advisory group was set up to include youth services and manage and monitor the work programme of the Comhairle na nOg. Whilst the work of Comhairle na nÓg in Louth to date has been very positive, it is recognised that there is scope to develop the work, particularly in relation to representation from youth services and in enhancing the impact of Comhairle na nÓg in local policy making. Comhairle na nÓg in Louth has the potential to create an independent voice for young people within local democratic structures and to provide young people with an opportunity to influence policy in a very meaningful way. Funding has now been secured for the operation of Comhairle na nÓg and, in partnership with County Louth VEC, and HSE North East, Louth County Council wishes to put in place dedicated professional support from a recognised youth organisation to ensure the continued development of Comhairle na nÓg towards standards of excellent practice. Aims and objectives of work: The overarching aims of this work are to develop Comhairle na nÓg to be recognised as the official