National Consultation with children and young people

on the new National Children’s Strategy (2012-2017)Monday, 4th April – Friday, 8th April 2011

Work has commenced in the Department of Children on the development of a new NationalChildren’s Strategy. The new Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, TD, would like to findout the issues of real importance to children and young people all over the country in orderto inform the strategy. The national consultation will give them the opportunity to have theirvoices heard in relation to matters that directly affect their lives.Children and young people are invited to complete questionnaires in all schools andYouthreach Centres throughout the country from Monday, 4th April – Friday, 8thApril 2011. The questions were designed in consultation with children and young peoplethemselves and ask about what’s good, what’s not good and what they would change aboutbeing a child or young person in Ireland today.All data collected will be analysed by a consultation team at Trinity College, Dublin andfed into the development of the new National Children’s Strategy. A report of the children’sconsultation process will be published online later this year.This exciting project represents the Government’s commitment to the goals of the currentNational Children’s Strategy (2000-2010) and to the continued implementation of the UNConvention on the Rights of the Child. By helping promote this consultation, you are ensuringthat children and young people in Ireland will have their voices heard on issues of importanceto them.ISSU is very supportive of this consulation, and we look forward to working with the Department of Children on the implementation of this strategy over the upcoming years

Census 2011

The 2011 census will take place on Sunday April 10th next, when everyhousehold in the country will complete their Census form.In the lead up to the 2011 census, sets of resource materials have been developed for schools to assist teachers and students to learn about the census. (CLICK HERE)

Exclusive Scholar Card offer!

Renew your ISSU scholar card today for just €13 - and get €4 credit with Just Mobile.It's easy to save money with the ISSU scholar - remember you've a voice in your wallet use it sometime.www.studentcard.ie  - scholar@issu.ie - 01 868 5567

Register to Vote

Our country is on the brink  of a civic renewal and we have an unprecedented opportunity to further citizen engagement in our democracy. With a General Election looming Young People must play our part, if you're eligible to vote - make sure you're on the register of electors. Even if you're not old enough to vote this time around, have a list of questions prepared for Politicians as they call to you door canvasing for votes. Have your say!ISSU is encouraging all young people eligible to vote to register now...Application forms for inclusion on the Electoral Register, Special Voters List, Postal Voters List and the amended Electoral Register are available from all local authorities, post offices and public libraries. Completed forms must be returned to your local authority. You cou can register up to 15 working days before the general election!Forms may also be available on http://www.checktheregister.ie/

Don't delay register today.

6th European School Student Convention

Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Educational Environments: Designing the School of Tomorrow

Dublin, 14-19th January 2011

The National Executive Council of the Irish Second-Level Students' Union would like to warmly welcome our friends and colleagues from across Europe who are joining us in Dublin for the 6th European School Student Convention. ISSU is hosting this convention with has been organised by OEBSSU (Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions)

The topic is "Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Educational Environments: Designing the School of Tomorrow", and expert speakers have been invited from across Europe to address the convention.

How students can prevent the spread of influenza (flu) at school