Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley today welcomed the Ireland-UK Youth Advisory Group's presentation of recommendations at the Leaders' Summit in Cork, highlighting the vital role of young people in shaping the future of Ireland-UK cooperation.

The Ireland-UK Youth Advisory Group, made up of ten young people aged 16-24, met with the Taoiseach and the UK Prime Minister at the Summit to present the outcomes of the inaugural Ireland-UK Youth Forum, which took place in Dublin on 21 January. The Forum gathered delegates from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales to identify and discuss key issues affecting young people. The YAG played a central role in planning and shaping the Forum, as well as finalising the report and recommendations arising from the discussions.

Building on the momentum of January's Forum today's presentation reflects the Forum's core purpose: strengthening connections, promoting mutual understanding, and identifying shared challenges and opportunities shaping the future for young people.

The Ireland-UK Youth Forum represents an important milestone in cross-border youth participation, offering young people a direct platform to voice their views and reach consensus on issues that matter to them.

The delegates on the Ireland-UK Youth Advisory Group were nominated from the National Youth Assembly of Ireland (Ireland), the Education Authority (Northern Ireland), The King's Trust & Duke of Edinburgh Award (England), the Scottish Youth Parliament (Scotland) and Youth Cymru (Wales).

During the meeting with the Leaders, members of the Youth Advisory Group outlined the key recommendations made by the Ireland-UK Youth Forum which focussed on :

- Cost of living

- Mental health and access to healthcare

- Education

- Culture, diversity and equality

Both leaders welcomed the Forum's insights and recognised the importance of having young people engaged in Ireland-UK cooperation.

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said:

"I had the opportunity to meet and engage with this very impressive group of young people and I welcome the report they have now produced for Taoiseach Micheál Martin and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer."

Young people deserve not just to be heard, but to be listened to at the highest levels of decision-making. The Ireland-UK Youth Advisory Group has shown real leadership, commitment and vision. Their recommendations reflect the priorities of a new generation determined to build a more inclusive, sustainable and connected future across these islands."

The Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock MP said:

"I was delighted to see members of the UK-Ireland Youth Forum meet with the Prime Minister and Taoiseach Micheál Martin today to discuss the issues that matter most to young people, from mental health and education to the cost of living.
Their voices are vital in shaping the policies that affect their lives, and their reflections on community and collaboration highlight the strength of the ties between our nations. I look forward to working with my counterpart in Ireland to ensure their recommendations translate into meaningful action"

Note to Editor:

Photography from the event is available at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/governmentofireland/