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National wins by young people from
Comhairle na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg
Some extremely important wins have been achieved by
young people from successive Comhairle na nÓg
National Executives in acting on recommendations from
sessions of Dáil na nÓg.
> Hosted a national launch of ‘Let’s Go Mental’ in June
2015, followed by ‘Let’s Go Mental’ events in all 31
local authority areas to promote positive mental
health among teenagers through music, sport, the
arts and other fun activities.
> Held very strongly attended presentations for TDs
and Senators entitled ‘Your Comhairle Needs You’,
highlighting the ways in which members of the
Oireachtas (Parliament) should work with and
support their local Comhairle na nÓg (2013 and 2015).
> Took part in the reference panel of young people
involved in developing the highly
successful TV and cinema advertisement known as
‘The boy in the hoodie’ for the youth mental health
awareness campaign, in cooperation with the NOSP
and the DCYA (2008-2009).
> Influenced the Minister for Health and Children’s
decision to commence the cervical cancer vaccine
programme for 12-year-old girls (2010).
> Attained a commitment that questions on sexual
behaviour not previously included would be asked in
the Health Behaviour of School-aged Children (HBSC)
Survey in Ireland in future years (2010).
> Conducted peer-led, evidence-based survey among
2,500 teenagers on body image in November 2011,
which was launched by young people and the
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs later in 2012
> The Fairsay campaign, which highlighted the negative
portrayal of teenagers in the media and urged media
organisations to ‘talk to teenagers’ rather than
‘talking about teenagers’ (2007-2008).
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For more information on the Comhairle na nÓg
programme and to find out more about the
Comhairle na nÓg in your area, please go to
www.comhairlenanog.ie