Children & Young Person’s Task Group
The Children and Young Persons Task Group looks after the interests of young people and children. It’s current work plan has a number of objectives to be achieved in the areas of consultation, health, education, protection, social and community life and support for children with disabilities/special needs.The Task Groups also acts as a Steering Group for Laois’ Comhairle na nÓg (Laois Youth Council) and supports the Comhairle work programme throughout the year.
Members of the Children & Young Persons Task Group are:
- The Block Garda Diversion
- TUSLA
- Scoil Bhride National School
- Portlaoise College
- Laois Partnership
- St Fergals College, Rathdowney
- Mountmellick Community School
- Laois Sports Partnership
- Mountmellick Further Education Centre
- Laois/Offaly Garda Diversion
- Laois /Offaly Education Training Board
- Children & Adolescents Mental Health Services
- Youth Work Ireland Laois
Members of Laois Comhairle na nÓg and Steering Committee at their Steering Committee meeting in the Youth Café, Portlaoise held on 5th October 2022.
On 1 February 2019 Laois County Council awarded Fóroige the tender to facilitate and support the development of Laois Comhairle na nÓg as a strong inclusive structure for the participation of young people in local decision making and informing policy for a two year period 2019 to 2020, subject to funding.
Laois Comhairle na nÓg strives to represent young people in Laois and aims to make their voices heard, in a real way among the adult decision makers in our county, allowing the future generation to help to make our county a better place to live, work and visit. Co-ordinated by Foroige, in association with Laois County Council, the 15 young members of Laois Comhairle na nÓg met over 14 times in 2019. The Comhairle is tasked with the provision of feedback to the young people across the county and does this in a number of ways, including through its links with the secondary schools and Youthreach, youth groups and at its AGM, which was held on the 18th November 2019. The AGM was attended by 93 young people from across Laois. Laois Comhairle were consulted on 4 policies/Strategies/Plans. Laois Comhairle attended Dáil na nÓg on Saturday 23rd November 2019 which was held in Leinster House in celebration of 100 years of democracy in Ireland and the sitting of the first Dáil in Ireland.
LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL
INVITATION TO TENDER TO FACILITATE LAOIS COMHAIRLE NA nÓG
Laois County Council is inviting tenders from suitably qualified locally based individuals/organisations to tender to facilitate and support the development of Laois Comhairle na nÓg as a strong inclusive structure for the participation of young people in local decision making and informing policy, for two years, 2021 and 2022, subject to funding.
Laois Comhairle na nÓg is a local ‘Youth Council’ of young people, aged between 12 and 18 years, elected from the three Municipal District areas in Laois. The purpose of Comhairle is to give young people the opportunity to have a voice and to be involved in the development of local services and policies.
Comhairle na nÓg is led at national level by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs under the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, with the funding being administered through POBAL. At local level, responsibility rests with each Local Authority.
The primary aim is to continue to develop Laois Comhairle na nÓg into a strong inclusive, collective voice for young people across Laois by:
- Supporting the implementation of the Laois Comhairle na nÓg Annual Work Plan, which is a plan developed from issues and topics as identified by the young people themselves.
- Continuing to build on Laois Comhairle na nÓg as a consultative forum and facilitating the interaction of Comhairle na nÓg with policy makers and service developers locally and nationally to ensure that the views of young people are included in shaping policies and services.
Closing date for receipt of proposals is 4.00pm on Tuesday 24th November 2020. Tenders received after this time will not be accepted.
Tender document available by email: emoore@laoiscoco.ie, or download from www.laois.ie. Laois County Council will acknowledge receipt of all applications and inform applicants of the decision in relation to the appointments made.
All of the necessary documents required for the complete tender must be returned by email only to emoore@laoiscoco.ie marked “Tender Laois Comhairle na nOg”.
‘In Partnership with the Community’
1A RequestforQuotation Services (RFQ)v2 2018
1B Quotation Response Document Services (QRD) V2 2018
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Latest News
Dáil na nÓg 2017
6 members of Laois Comhairle na nÓg attended Dáil na nÓg in Croke Park on 6th December 2017. The theme for Dáil na nÓg 2017 was Equality: ‘in all fairness’ which was selected by majority vote from the 21 Comhairlí from all over the country. Dáil na nÓg was formally opened by Dr Katherine Zappone, Minster for Children & Youth Affairs. Delegates worked in discussion groups on issues that affect the lives of young people and what changes need to happen to make things better. There was s Questions and Answers session with important decision-makers relevant to the theme of the day.
Comhairle na nÓg Presentation to Laois County Council
On Monday, 26 March 2017 Laois Comhairle na nÓg made a presentation to Laois County Council at the monthly meeting. They gave a report on their activities in 2016 and gave details on what they are working on for 2017. They also gave a list of consultations they were involved in over the last year. At the end of the meeting the Councillors asked a number of questions in relation to same.
Members of Comhairle na nÓg Mark McCormack, Aoife Hanniffy, Niamh Bakker & Cian MacGerailt
Comhairle na nÓg Showcase 2016
The Comhairle na nÓg Showcase took place in Croke Park, Dublin on Thursday 24 October 2016. It was attended by over 350 Comhairle na nÓg members from around the Country.
15 Comhairle members of Laois Comhairle na nÓg to attend. All Comhairlí na nÓg were given time to showcase their work for the last two years. After this the Opening Ceremony was commenced with Ruth Scott introducing the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs Katherine Zapponee, this was followed by Comhairle members for Dublin and Mayo telling their Comhairle stories. They were also shown a video to showcase the work of Comhairle na nÓg. After lunch a number of workshops took place.
Following the workshops they received in input from the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive and then each Comhairle na nOg were presented with a Certificate of Achievement. Evaluation forms where completed and returned.
A good day was had by all.
Comhairle na nÓg AGM 2016
Laois Comhairle na nÓg held their AGM Wednesday, 19th October, 2016 in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise.
Youth Group Plans ‘Lexit’ for Laois
by Anam Rizwan
The recent annual general meeting of Laois Comhairle na nÓg set out to part Laois from the rest of Ireland.
The plan for the Laois ‘Lexit’ involved teenagers forming new political parties and working on a budget for their new sovereign state.
The annual discussion forum was attended by 110 delegates from clubs and secondary schools in Laois.
They divided into groups and after getting to know one another they formed their new political party. Some of these parties included Unlaoised, Young Independents and Fianna Labour. The students had to priorities topics such as health, safety and wellbeing, education, transport, heritage and culture.
After a heated debate about all the topics, each party had to decide on a budget for every department. It transpired that the Department for Education was the issue that young people most wanted to change.
“The Comhairle AGM has always been a great way for young people to voice their opinions on issues they face today. Not only did we get to express ourselves but we also got to meet new people who are eager to make Laois a more enjoyable place for young people” said fifth year student Joseph O’Leary from St Mary’s CBS in Portlaoise.
The hot topic of educations was revisited by each of the political parties, where the young politicians had to discuss what part of education they wanted to see changed. They then presented their concerns about education to the newly-formed parliament.
Voting stations were set up, which allowed each delegate to ballot for the issue they felt was most important. Regardless of party affiliation, the young people had the freedom to vote for their preferred topic for this year’s project.
The topic entitled ‘Education and school should be made more enjoyable and less stressful’ received most votes. Laois Comhairle na nÓg will be working on this theme for the following year. “Laois has a fantastic Comhairle, which meets every week.
“The dedication and hard work shown by the members has a great impact on the lives of other young people in Laois” said Comhairle Co-Ordinator Elaine Boyle.
Progress on this year’s topic can be followed on the Laois Comhairle na nÓg public facebook page.
Anam Rizwan is the PRO for Laois Comhairle na nÓg.
Laois Activity Atlas
On 2nd October, 2016 ‘ Laois Activity Atlas ‘ was launched during the event Laois through the eyes of a young person. The booklet contains information on youth facilities and youth organisations available to young people in Laois. The atlas is available in all Laois secondary schools and the Youth Cafe. The event was featured in the Laois Nationalist and Leinster Express.
About Us
- Contact us on Facebook
- Youth Council for Laois
- Dept. Of Children & Youth Affairs
- 31 Comhairlí na nÓg nationwide
- 27 members aged from 12 to 18 years
- Representatives on Laois Comhairle from –
- Secondary Schools
- Youth Organisations
- ‘Seldom Heard’ target groups, e.g., marginalised backgrounds, travelling community, ethnic minorities
- Monitored & supported by the Children’s Task Group
- Represents young people’s views
- Consult with adult decision making bodies and influence decisions being made
- Influence adults who make policies for/about young people
- Provide Feedback to young people in their schools, youth organisations and local communities
- Projects to highlight issues affecting young people
- Representation nationally on National Comhairle na nÓg Executive
- Comhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the 31 local authorities of the country, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies.
- In light of the fact that Comhairle na nÓg is for young people under the age of 18 and who therefore have no other voting mechanism to have their voice heard, Comhairle na nÓg is designed to enable young people to have a voice on the services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area.
Comhairle na nÓg AGM held in Portlaoise College November 2016
Lets Go Mental – Comhairle na nOg Event 2015
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Educational Partnership
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The School’s Business Partnership congratulates Laois County Council and Portlaoise College for completing The Skills @ Work Programme 2018/2019
The 5th year students of Portlaoise College completed another successful year of the ‘Skills @ Work programme in conjunction with Laois County Council and the Schools Business Partnership and funded by the Department of Education & Skills. On 1st April 2019, the students received Certificates of Achievement for completing the programme and gave feedback on their experiences of the programme to Council Staff. Cllr John King, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council was also in attendance.
Class of 2018/2019
The Schools’ Business Partnership congratulates Laois County Council and Portlaoise College for completing The ‘Skills @ Work’ Programme 2017/2018
The 5th year students of Portlaoise College completed another successful year of the ‘Skills @ Work programme in conjunction with Laois County Council and the Schools Business Partnership and funded by the Department of Education & Skills.
The students met with a number of members of staff of Laois County Council who gave them a talk on the back ground of the Council and also on their individual jobs within the Council and how they achieved the position they currently hold in the Council. They also had a visit to the Fire Station in Portlaoise where they were given a talk on fire safety. Workshops took place on CV preparation and interview techniques, finishing off with mock interviews for all the students, conducted by Council staff.
At a thoroughly enjoyable concluding session held at the school on 9th April 2018, the students received Certificates of Achievement for completing the programme and gave feedback on their experiences of the programme to Council Staff. Cllr Mary Sweeney attended the session on behalf the Chairperson of Laois County Council and congratulated the students on their achievements.
Group pictured at Portlaoise College for the skills at Work Programme presentation, includes participating students, Teaching staff, Laois Co. Council staff and Schools Business Partnership rep. Certificates were presented to the students.
Wrap Session for Skills at Work 2016/2017
The Schools’ Business Partnership congratulates Laois County Council and Portlaoise College for completing The ‘Skills @ Work’ Programme 2016/2017
Laois County Council concluded another successful year of The ‘Skills @ Work’ programme working with the 5th year students of Portlaoise College. This initiative endeavours to provide a firsthand insight for senior cycle students into the world of work.
Over the course of the programme, employees of Laois County Council (from the HR department to the Fire Brigade and everyone in between), provided a number of talks on the background of the organisation, services, roles and responsibilities of staff as well as workshops on CV preparation and interview techniques, finishing off with mock interviews for all the students, conducted by Council staff. The students were also brought on a site visit to Laois County Council and Portlaoise Fire Station, seeing as part of their visits, the various career opportunities that exist within the organisation.
At a thoroughly enjoyable concluding session held at the school on 8th March, 2017, the students received Certificates of Achievement for completing the programme and gave feedback on their experiences of the programme to Council Staff and Programme Coordinators Rose Doolin and Georgina Ireland who all gave of their time over the duration of the academic year. The session was also attended by An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Tom Mulhall.
Both Portlaoise College and Laois County Council have been incredible supporters of the Schools’ Business Partnership Programme. The commitment and engagement of their staff not only benefits the students, but has far reaching impacts on the local community.
“The impact that this initiative has had on the students is visible right from day one, it generates an interest and motivation for the students to succeed and to continue to work hard on their studies. The partnership with Laois County Council has been invaluable to the school”, said Keith McClearn, Coordinator of the programme for Portlaoise College.
‘Laois County Council are delighted to be in partnership with Portlaoise College. Our employees are committed to the programme and they enjoy meeting the students and sharing their career experiences with them. It is also an opportunity for the employees of to gain insight into student life and our educational system.’ Georgina Ireland, Community Development, Laois County Council.
Funded by the Department of Education & Skills, The Schools’ Business Partnership (SBP) has to date matched 162 post primary schools in Ireland with a local business. Keen to continue this successful relationship, Laois County Council and Portlaoise College both intend to take on the programme again in 2017/2018 academic year.
Site Visit, Portlaoise Fire Station
Students from Portlaoise College visited Portlaoise Fire Station on 25 January 2017 as part of their Skills at Work Programme. They met James Brown, Station Officer, Portlaoise who spoke to them about fire safety and gave them some statistics on the number of house fires, road traffic accidents and other incidents that Portlaoise Fire Brigade attend at. He then gave them a tour of the fire station and explained about the different equipment that the Fire Brigade have. The visit was enjoyed by the young people and in particular getting to see the equipment and being allowed to get close to and into some of the equipment that is used by the fire brigades.
Students from Portlaoise College on site visit to Portlaoise Fire Station
Site Visit, Company Overview and ‘A Day in the Life’ speakers
Students from Portlaoise College visited County Hall on 18 November 2016 and were shown around County Hall and given an overview of what departments are in the County Council and what works are carried out by these Departments.
They also met a number of staff members who explained to them about the path that got them to their current role, about the education they received and other employment that they may have had prior to working for Laois County Council. They also answered any questions raised by the students. The students were told that whatever path they choose in life if they are willing to work hard they will get to where they want to be. Both Speakers and students enjoyed the day.
Students for Portlaoise College on site visit to County Hall, Portlaoise
Skills at Work 2016/2017
The Skills at Work Programme for 2016/2017 will commence with an Introductory Session on Friday 11th November and after that a Site Visit will be organised for the students of Portlaoise College who are taking part in the programme will visit Laois County Council and a number of staff members of the Council will give a short talk on their experiences to date and how they got to where they are now.
This will be followed by CV Preparation and an Interview Preparation Workshop. It is hoped that they will visit the Fire Station in Portlaoise.
Mock Interviews will be organised for each participant and following this a Wrap Session will be given by the students of Portlaoise College giving feedback to the Council and Schools Business Partnership, Business in the Community Ireland. It is expected to be completed by early March 2017.
Skills at Work 2015/2016
The Schools’ Business Partnership
Laois County Council together with The Schools’ Business Partnership and Portlaoise College are operating The ‘Skills @ Work’ programme working with the 5th year students of Portlaoise College. This initiative endeavours to provide a firsthand insight for senior cycle students into the world of work. This is the second year of the programme and it is hoped to continue with the programme in the future.
Over the course of the programme, employees of Laois County Council (from the HR department to the Fire Brigade and everyone in between), provided a number of talks on the background of the organisation, services, roles and responsibilities of staff as well as workshops on CV preparation and interview techniques, finishing off with mock interviews for all the students, conducted by Council staff. The students were also brought on a site visit to Laois County Council and Portlaoise Fire Station, seeing as part of their visits, the various career opportunities that exist within the organisation.
Both Portlaoise College and Laois County Council are incredible supporters of the Schools’ Business Partnership Programme. The commitment and engagement of their staff not only benefits the students, but has far reaching impacts on the local community.
“The impact that this initiative has had on the students is visible right from day one, it generates an interest and motivation for the students to succeed and to continue to work hard on their studies. The partnership with Laois County Council has been invaluable to the school”, said Joe Gleeson, a Coordinator of the programme for Portlaoise College.
‘Laois County Council are delighted to be in partnership with Portlaoise College. Our employees are committed to the programme and they enjoy meeting the students and sharing their career experiences with them. It is also an opportunity for the employees of to gain insight into student life and our educational system.’ Georgina Ireland, Community Services, Laois County Council.
Funded under the National Development Plan, The Schools’ Business Partnership (SBP) has to date matched almost 200 post primary schools in Ireland with a local business.
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