David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action taken (details supplied) following the deliberations of Dáil Na nÓg 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26847/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Dáil na nÓg is the annual national parliament for young people aged 12-18 years. The OMCYA is responsible for funding and overseeing Dáil na nÓg. Since 2003, a consortium comprising the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), Foróige and Youth Work Ireland has organised Dáil na nÓg in cooperation with the OMCYA.

200 teenage delegates attended the eighth annual Dáil na nÓg which took place on 20 February 2009 in Croke Park, Dublin and discussed the issues of physical health and mental health. The top three recommendations voted by delegates on physical health were:

1. The cervical cancer vaccine should be made available free of charge for all 12-18 year old girls;

2. All young people should have access to sex education, which is appropriate to individual needs, comprehensive and varied in delivery;

3. P.E. should be prioritised and properly funded, both in and out of school.

The top three recommendations voted by delegates on mental health were:

1. A structured SPHE course should be implemented for senior cycle students, incorporating positive mental health awareness and development of an on-line support service;

2. The establishment of mandatory mental health awareness workshops in all schools, to raise awareness about symptoms, supports and effects of mental health issues;

3. A nationwide awareness campaign to promote positive mental health, decrease the stigma, aimed at reducing the numbers of suicides among young people.

One representative from each Comhairle na nÓg is elected to the Dáil na nÓg Council, which follows up on the recommendations from the Dáil and tries to make changes for young people in those areas. The council has a term of office of one year and meets once a month and is supported by the OMCYA and NYCI.

To date three meetings of the council have taken place and they have had the opportunity to discuss the recommendations in more detail, meet with key policy makers relevant to their issues and begin to identify a course of action to deliver on these recommendations. The council members have also undertaken research relevant to their issues between meetings and this has informed their deliberations to date.

The next meeting of the council will take place on Thursday, 2 July 2009.