As you may be aware, a public consultation is currently being undertaken by the Mental Health Commission to inform the development of national standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 

CAMHS is available for all young people under 18 years of age, who are experiencing moderate to severe mental disorders that affect their ability to function in day to day activities. Children are usually referred to CAHMS by their GP. 

National Parents Council would like to get your views on the development of these standards. We will share a survey on this shortly but we are planning to host online and in person sessions on this also

The online sessions will be on 

• Monday 26th January at 7pm and
• Wednesday 28th January at 10am. 

How to Join: 
Please sign up using the following link: 

Sign Up for our Online Session  – Fill out form 

The in person session will be held in the NPC offices in Manor Street, Dublin 7 from 10:30 to 12:30 on Saturday 24th January.

How to Join: 
Please sign up using the following link: 

Sign Up for our In-Person Session  – Fill out form 

Registration is free, but spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot today  

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In 2026 the Department of Education and Youth will hold the Convention on Education – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Ireland’s school system for decades to come and set out a shared vision for the future of education. The Convention will bring together diverse voices at four events during 2026 to share ideas and discuss solutions for the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

More information about the Convention on Education and how it will work can be found at this link.   

To ensure the Convention reflects as many perspectives as possible, the Department of Education and Youth is seeking expressions of interest from parents and guardians and children and young people aged 8-24 to take part.  

This will involve attending two-day events and workshops on:  

• 21st & 22nd March 2026 
• 9th & 10th May 2026 
• 26th & 27th Sept 2026 
• 14th & 15th November 2026 

Accommodation and catering will be provided for each meeting as required and travel expenses will be reimbursed. Children under the age of 18 must have consent from their parent or guardian to participate and a parent or guardian will be required to accompany them to events. 

If you are interested, please complete this form Convention on education expression of interest form for parents and guardians of children – Fill out form by January 16 2026. 

If your child aged 8-17 is interested, please complete this form  Convention on Education expression of interest form for children and young people – Fill out form with them by January 16 2026. 

Further details can be found at this link

National Parents Council