Children and young people are among those being invited to play a central role in a new national Convention on Education, which will inform state education policies into the future.
The Department of Education and Youth has opened applications and is inviting expressions of interest for members of the convention from teenagers and children, as well as from parents and guardians, school staff, early years educators and other education stakeholders.
Out of a total of 150 places, 30 have been reserved for young people.
The convention, which will be chaired by Professor Anne Looney, will discuss key issues about the future of education with the aim of helping to shape the country's education system for the coming decades.
Recommendations from the convention will inform a new long-term strategy for schools in Ireland.
Professor Looney is the former head of St Patrick’s teacher training college.
This is the first convention of its kind to give membership on an equal footing to children and teenagers.
Much of the convention’s work will centre on the day-to-day experiences of young people in primary and post-primary schools, and the transitions into primary school, post primary education and beyond.
A wider national consultation will begin early next year to gather views from other children and teenagers who may want to contribute.
The exercise will look at what is working well, what needs attention, and what changes might be needed in the years ahead.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegard Naughton said: "This is a once in a generation opportunity to help shape the future of education in Ireland. Taking part will allow children, young people, parents and the wider school community to feed their experiences and perspectives into this national conversation.
"I am particularly excited to confirm that it is the first convention to include children and young people as full members."
The last convention on Education took place over 30 years ago.
Minister Naughton said it was important to hear from as wide a diversity of voices as possible.
"I would encourage anyone interested in sharing their views to submit an expression of interest to become a member of the Convention on Education" she said.
Expressions of interest form can be made up until 16 January 2026, after which a selection process will begin. Further details are available on gov.ie/educationconvention.
