Dear friends,

After the success of our inaugural Oireachtas Essay Competition last year, we are inviting this year’s Senior Cycle (5th Year and 6th Year for Leaving Cert), and AS and A level students, to participate in the Oireachtas Essay Competition 2023/’24 by submitting essays on the theme “Parliamentary Politics Matters for Peace”.

Our world is probably no more troubled than in previous generations, but the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the conflicts in Africa and the Middle East, and the resulting violence, killing and displacement of countless people have brought the problem of war and peace not just to our television screens but into the heart of our communities, towns and villages as Irish people and others scramble to welcome and care for thousands of refugees.

After an unjust and terrifying invasion, the problem is not just how to talk of peace, but when to speak of it. Ceasefires suit those who have taken territory. And yet peace must come, and it must be worked for. Cultural, religious, community and political leaders all have a vital role.

This year’s essay competition invites you to think about on how members of parliament should be, and can be, agents of peace, and how the work of parliament can contribute to peacebuilding.

While we can recall with gratitude those politicians who worked for peace on our own island, it is true that elected politicians are not always agents of peace, even in democratic countries. We should choose our political leaders carefully.

We’ve said enough! It is for you to write this year’s essays, not us. We look forward very much to reading those essays and to meeting some of you at our Awards Ceremony in 2024.

Thank you for participating in the Oireachtas Essay Competition 2023/24 and the best of luck to you.