NESC@50: A Thriving Ireland – The Views of Young People on Policy Priorities and Participation

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The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) was established in 1973 and the 50th anniversary was marked by a dedicated NESC@50 programme of research and events in 2023.

From the onset, the meaningful participation of young people was sought in the NESC@50 programme. Assistance on this aspect of the programme was provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY) and the National Participation Office (NPO). NESC followed the Lundy model of engagement throughout the process.

The purpose of the consultation process was to ascertain from young people their views of:

• The key policy issues the Council should address in their work;
• How they should participate in the NESC@50 programme; and
• How, in the longer-term, the opinions of young people can feature in NESC’s work.

This report focuses on policy priority areas for the attention by NESC and the wider policy system. In no particular order, these are:

• Housing and Poverty;
• Transport and Accommodation;
• Health and Well-being;
• Education;
• Discrimination and Equality; and
• Climate Action.

The young people also outlined some challenges in these areas, and some potential solutions.