Louth students urged to register for Oireachtas essay competition

‘Is AI a threat to Democracy?’ is the question being posed to thousands of Senior Cycle students across the island as they register for the country’s premier essay writing competition.

The Oireachtas Essay Competition (Aiste an Oireachtais) was devised by Independent Senator Rónán Mullen in 2022 with support from the Ceann Comhairle’s office and the Oireachtas Education Unit.

The Competition is 32-county and bilingual and aims to get young people reflecting on and discussing politics, society and the democratic process. Students across the island of Ireland in Transition Year, 5th or 6th Year for the Leaving Cert or in AS/A Level are eligible to enter.

This year’s theme, ‘Is AI a threat to Democracy?’ nó ‘Intleacht Shaorga – Bagairt ar an Daonlathas?’ reflects “increasing concern about the future impact of Artificial Intelligence on society, on human relationships and on human nature itself,” says Senator Mullen.

“There are many questions, and perhaps the answers won’t be known for some time. An issue that needs careful consideration is how AI will impact on the flow of information across society and on decision-making within democracies.”

To participate, students must register on the Competition website www.oireachtasessay.ie / www.aisteanoireachtais.ie by Friday 7th November. Each student will receive a numerical code with which they must upload their essays to the website by Friday, 21st November.