Students from six different counties have been honoured for their interest in and understanding of the political system, as part of the annual Oireachtas essay competition.
The students - from Kerry, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Offaly and Monaghan - were commended for their essays on the theme 'Is AI a threat to Democracy?/An Intleacht Shaorga: bagairt don Daonlathas?'
The winners received their prizes and certificates from Competition Founding Patron and Iar-Cheann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl.
Now in its fourth year, the annual Oireachtas Essay Competition was established to help encourage young people to become more engaged in politics and more aware of the political system.
The Oireachtas Essay Competition was devised by Independent Senator Rónán Mullen, along with the support of the Dáil Ceann Comhairle's office and the Oireachtas education unit.
Úna Ní Bhaoighill from Coláiste an Eachréidh in Athenry was National Winner for an Irish essay, with judges praising her work work for the "reflection beyond the commonplace carried out by the student on the subject."
Loreto Secondary School Letterkenny student Fatima Memon was this year's National Winner for an English essay with her work described by the judges as "hugely impressive, demonstrating a sustained line of argument".
Presenting the prizes, Deputy Ó Fearghaíl said greater engagement by young people with the political system was "vital for the health of our democracy and to overcome the many challenges we face at home and abroad".
More than a thousand students entered this year's competition, with winners determined by an expert panel of judges which included Professor Patrick Geoghegan of TCD and journalist, writer and academic, Alan Titley.
Senator Mullen said: "We are delighted with the growing support for Aiste an Oireachtais - with a doubling this year in the number of entries received.
"Schools recognise the importance of getting students to think about our democracy and the need to work it for the common good."
Senior cycle students and AS/A Level students across the island of Ireland were invited to submit essays in Irish or English.
Winners were chosen by an expert panel of judges
For the best essays in English and Irish, each winning student received €500, and their school also received €500.
Each of the five regional winners received €250, with €250 also going to their respective schools.
A further 12 students whose essays were "highly commended" will receive their prizes of a commemorative pen and €100 in schools around the country in the coming weeks.
