Ms Emma Grainger:

Of course, at the centre of all those plans, as we have heard from our colleagues in the NYCI as well, are the most important voices of all, which are the voices of the young people themselves.

At an event that was hosted just last week by the European Commission Representation in Ireland and European Movement Ireland, one of our members of the steering committee, Mr. Harry McCann, who is also a member of the pool of European young journalists, quoted Archimedes to illustrate the importance of a young person’s role in this process, “Give me a place to stand, with a lever long enough, and I will move the whole world.”

We in Léargas see that as a significant part of our role as national co-ordinators in creating this place to stand for young people and those working with them. In European Year of Youth, we want to shine a spotlight on all of the spaces and ways that young people can individually and collectively express themselves. We want to do this, in part, by creating a hub of easily accessible activities under the banner of European Year of Youth. We want to create new opportunities at grassroots level to bring more young people into that spotlight and support them to see different paths to improve their participation. We want to work with our amazing partners, youth organisations, arts and sports groups, as well as schools, to reach all of the sectors that are passionate about the empowerment of young people and make sure young people can access the information and opportunities they need. Most significantly, we want to direct that spotlight onto the spaces that are not always seen. We want to make sure the European Year of Youth is focused on inclusion and diversity and actively seeks out young people who feel unconnected or not involved or who do not believe Europe is speaking to or holds anything for them.

In Léargas, we know from experience that doing an Erasmus+ youth exchange, building a youth participation project in your community, having the chance to volunteer through the European Solidarity Corps or exploring Europe with a programme such as DiscoverEU, are powerful tools for personal development. We have seen that the growth that takes place through these activities is truly transformational.

As national co-ordinator for the European Year of Youth, Léargas would like to ensure young people and those working with them are empowered in their rights to express themselves and their ideas. Young people are already active in expressing themselves on important issues such as climate, equality, mental health, housing and education, to name but a few. A European Year of Youth can help ensure a legacy of action and engagement with decision-makers in the policy areas and topics that are crucial for young people as full and active citizens.

I thank the committee and we are happy to take any questions.