National ID cards for all young people aged 12 to 18 should be introduced, a Dáil committee was told by a group of teenagers yesterday.
The call, by a delegation from the Dáil na nÓg, was made to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children during a presentation on facilities for young people in the State.
Dáil na nÓg was established in 2001 under the auspices of the Office of the Minister for Children. A 'Dáil' meets once a year with 200 delegates, aged up to 18 years, from around the State.
A member of the delegation told the committee yesterday that the issue of facilities and a lack of them had been a "constant theme" in feedback over the past five years.
"Some people say they'd like a skate park. Some just want a place to hang out. We feel there should be integrated facilities in community centres which could be more youth friendly."
They also said access to facilities was hindered by a lack of - and the cost of - public transport. They said young people were often charged the adult fare unless they were in school uniform.
"We want an ID card which would be recognised across the State," they said. They stressed they only sought ID cards for young people. "We would call for one to be issued to everyone aged 12 to 18, with a photograph, date of birth and address."
They also called for funding for a national website aimed specifically at youth groups, to share information about facilities and activities.
