A new resource pack providing information to second-level schools on setting up student councils was announced by Minister for Children Brian Lenihan this morning.
The pack, which will be distributed to all second-level schools in the country this month, comprises information, activities and templates to assist schools in establishing and improving student councils.
It explains the importance of student participation in schools and why schools should have student councils.
It was developed by the Student Council Working Group, which was set up in 2003 to encourage the effective and democratic student councils in all second level schools.
The group was made up of 11 second-level students from around the country and all the partners in education.
Speaking today, Mr Lenihan said: "There is considerable evidence that schools with effective student councils find them of enormous benefit."
Ian Galloway, a student at Newpark Comprehensive School in Dublin, said all student council members in his school are elected by students to serve for two years.
"We have been successful in changing the type of food available in the canteen and in getting the toilets modernised," he said. "At the moment, we are starting discussions on a reward system for good behaviour."