The 15th November was just a normal day at school for most Irish school children, however, for 157 young people from all walks of life and from every part of the country the 15th November was a day for making history, a day they will never forget. 157 students, ranging in age from 10 to 17 years, and all united in their concern about the climate emergency, were in charge of Dail Eireann for one day, they were the policy makers, the decision makers, the ones to make a difference. After months of climate strikes and protests their voices were at last being heard.

In August, the #RTEYouthAssembly sought volunteers to participate in this unique event, many applied and 157 shortlisted. The event which was broadcast live on Oireachtas TV and covered through the day by RTE was not open to the public, however, our Climate Action Team were very keen to attend, not just to watch history being made but to learn from these young people, to hear their ideas and solutions and identify how we can help them in a common goal. This was an important day for us. Young people view the world through different eyes, they don’t see barriers, they see opportunities and solutions to fix the problem, they are committed in their belief that they can make a difference, create a better world, that change is possible.

Proceedings begin with a photo call outside the Dail, all 157 stood where countless leaders have stood before, where politicians have delivered good and bad news, the atmosphere was electric and energy and excitement radiated from all. Moving inside and taking up seats it was noted by officials the decorum with which the students held themselves, the fun from the photo call dissipated and the serious business was about to begin.

Silence ensued and watching from the public gallery expressions on the faces ranged from awe to pride to disbelief that this was really happening, after so long shouting from the outside they were finally inside, their concerns mattered and their voices would now be heard clearly. Like any Dail session the Ceann Comhairle moderated, sweeping through the double doors all 157 rose while he took his seat. In his opening address, he praised the participants for their dedication to their cause and warmly welcomed them to the Dail session, one got the impression this different gathering would be less troublesome than the usual participants!

Most people dread the thought of public speaking and will actively avoid at all costs but imagine you’re 17, you are in an unfamiliar environment, you are surrounded by people you are only getting to know and, I nearly forgot, your speech will be broadcast live! Sounds like the stuff of nightmares. The first speaker was Conal O’Boyle, a 17 year old climate activist from Donegal, he pulled no punches, he spoke with clarity and conviction, unafraid to critecise the government on their dependency on fossil fuels “They have embarrassed this country on an international level when it comes to climate change”. The Ceann Comhairle was quick to praise, commenting on how comfortable and confident Conal was in his seat and said he would be unsurprised if in the future Conal took up permanent residence in such a seat. Following on from this speakers addressed their concerns on climate change over 5 themes, Environment, Education, Food and Agriculture, Power and Energy and Economics, each eloquent and confident in their delivery.

At this stage the group broke up into their respective areas to debate for two hours and establish two recommendations per theme. Proceedings resumed shortly before 2pm when the students retook their seats. Again the speakers were clear, concise and confident and spoke with conviction, outlining the rationale behind the various recommendations and the recommendation itself. Once all ten recommendations had been delivered Seán Ó Fearghaíl invited attendees to make short statements, their message was clear, they are not going to go away, they will continue to fight for climate action, one young lady also asked that we remember those in poorer countries who are suffering climate injustice.

In a final statement the Ceann Comhairle reassured the activists that a meeting would be facilitated between the Taoiseach, Minister and a representation of the 157 attendees to further discuss the recommendations. The day ended with the recommendations being handed over to Minister Bruton.

During the day we briefly got the opportunity to meet with three of the five candidates from County Meath and hope to engage further with them on a school’s event currently being planned. The Climate Action Team considered ourselves privileged to witness Friday’s Assembly and have no doubt these 157 climate action leaders will inspire many more into action.

The 10 Recommendations:

1. From your corner store to your super market, we call on the house to incentivise and obligate the installation of glass doors on open refrigerators
2. For Ireland to ban the importation of fracked gas and invest solely in renewables.
3. Implementing measures that will allow that Irish goods be both eco- sustainable and affordable in todays' Irish Market.
4. Implement a tiered Tax on Emissions from large companies including those under capital ETS. This tax must be increased every year while threshold decreases, shifting the burden from individuals to corporations.
5. Investment in industrial hemp processing facilities to provide a viable, sustainable and alternative land use for farmers as well as employment in rural Ireland.
6. A labelling and pricing system showing the climate impact of food products based on criteria such as impact of packaging and distance travelled.
7. Ireland to outlaw acts of ecocide – being the widespread and systematic loss of ecosystems, including climate and cultural damage.
8. Protect existing forests and make compulsory that at least 10% of all land owned for agricultural uses is dedicated to forestry.
9. A targeted nationwide Information campaign to educate the population about the climate crisis regarding the causes, the effects and the solutions
10. Mandatory "Sustainability" education from primary level to the workplace including a new compulsory Junior Cycle & optional Leaving Certificate subject.