Four teenagers outline their views on topical issues.
Dominic Dowling (16), a fourth-year student at St Michael's College, Dublin, took part in a presentation on child poverty in Ireland and internationally. "I'd like to achieve an end to child poverty. As impossible as it sounds, I know it can be done," he said. "If children are not getting a good education, it doesn't say much for the future of society."
Louise Kearns from Loreto College, Crumlin, said her group was opposed to anti-social behaviour orders (asbos), but that many young people found it frustrating when they tried to have their voices heard. "I think our point of view is dismissed too often . . . We're not listened to enough."
Ashling Canavan (15), a student at St Mary's College, Arklow, took part in a presentation on the lack of amenities in Arklow and the knock-on effects this has for young people. She said a survey which the group had conducted among first to fourth years in Arklow's secondary schools had revealed that half drank alcohol, 27 per cent smoked and one-fifth took drugs.The group is due to make a presentation to the town council soon.
"There is nothing for young people in Arklow to do," she said. "So many of the responses that we got said they go to the pub, or sit on the riverbank at the weekend. There's nothing else to do. If you're not drinking, you're sitting on a wall. A lot of people we've gone to about this - such as local councillors - are very interested. I'm confident we're going to get something out of this."
Sarah Compton (16) from Alexandra College, Dublin, was involved in a project examining the provision of recreational amenities for young people. Among the facts her group discovered is that half of cannabis-users start using the drug at the age of 13. "Studies have found that most drug-use comes from boredom. Young people end up sitting in St Stephen's Green - or in a coffee shop - for hours, which is expensive.
"They need facilities," she said. "We were speaking right to Síle de Valera. She is in charge. Hopefully we will be listened to."
... John Downes