Concern Debates

Information about the Concern Debates

Background

Started in 1984, the Concern Debates is Ireland's longest running Secondary School Debates competition. Each year over 160 teams register for the debates from all regions of the country. The Debates aim to engage students in tackling global issues that impact on the lives of thousands of people living in the Developing World. The Concern Debates are open to all senior cycle secondary school students, from Transition Year to Sixth Year. Each team consists of four members and substitutes.

What are the Concern Debates?

The Concern Debates are Ireland's longest running Secondary School debates competition. Since their inception in 1984 over 15,000 students, in over 250 secondary schools, from all parts of the country, have taken part.

The Aim of the Concern Debates is...

• to promote a deeper awareness and understanding of development issues particularly in relation to Third World poverty
• to provide students with a public forum to develop skills in research, presentation, and debate
• to encourage students and teachers to become lifelong advocates on issues relating to poverty, justice, and human rights

For more information download the guides available right (PDF) and visit concerndebates.net