Dáil na nÓg: Religion as a school subject should be replaced with a subject focusing on morals, ethics and other cultures, with intercultural studies introduced from pre-school upwards in order to provide for an inclusive society, according to motions passed by Dáil na nÓg.
Some 200 young delegates, representing 34 Comhairlí na nÓg throughout Ireland, debated migration and interculturalism and facilities for young people during the day-long annual think-tank in Croke Park, Dublin, on Saturday.
After a series of group meetings and presentations, the young delegates voted electronically on some 20 statements, all of which were duly passed.
Providing information, education and support for migrant workers and the need to provide for improved integration in the education system emerged as two key priorities to be tackled by Coiste na dTeachtaí in the forthcoming year.
In the context of providing for a more inclusive education system, over 66 per cent of delegates voted to replace religion in schools with a subject focusing on ethics, morals and other cultures.
An awareness campaign and special initiatives highlighting different cultures and the introduction of intercultural studies from pre-school upwards were also voted for by delegates.
In anticipation of the publication of the national recreational policy in October this year, delegates voted that unstructured facilities which are safe, fun and cater for a range of interests should be made available. The Government, they agreed, should be responsible for providing low-cost places that are accessible to young people.
A question and answer session with panellists including Minister for Children Brian Lenihan, Insp Finbar Murphy of the Garda Síochána's national juvenile office and Paddy McDonagh of the Department of Education marked the final phase of the Dáil na nÓg annual sitting.
A delegate from Mallow, Co Cork, complained that, as a result of time pressure, all 20 motions had been passed without any debate. In view of this, the delegate suggested that, instead of meeting only once each year, Dáil na nÓg should meet at least twice. Mr Lenihan responded by promising to look at the possibility but joked that delegates could not seek mileage expenses, as "adult politicians" did.
The teaching of Irish was also a subject of contention, with some delegates suggesting that the language should be taught differently in schools.
Paddy McDonagh, of the Department of Education, told delegates that proficiency in Irish at both Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate level was "less than what we would desire". He added that both Britain and Ireland had a reputation of lacking motivation in learning languages.
Jillian Van Turnhout, of the Children's Rights Alliance, concluded by calling on delegates to use their voice and make sure they were heard by writing to local TDs and to the Minister for Children.