Junior Schools Debating

The Junior Schools Debating Competition is a debating competition for those students in their junior cycle of second level education in Ireland. At present it is run by the Literary and Historical Society in University College Dublin. Averaging around 200 competitors each year, it is the largest debating competition of its kind in the country. Originally sponsored by Blanchardstown Credit Union, it is now sponsored by AIB and has been for the past three years.

Format

The format of the competition is based on the Irish Times Debating Competition and is the same as the competition's sister competition the All - Ireland Schools Debating Competition. Each first round consists of eight teams (Four proposition and four opposition teams) where the first speaker from each team speaks in turn followed by a return to the start and each second speaker finishing the process. Two teams and two individuals progress from each round.

Speakers are given the motion one week in advance so as to allow ample time to prepare. During the debate points of information may be offered after protected time has elapsed. This format provides for a great introduction to debating, allowing students to prepare and gain confidence while allowing for great interaction during the debate.

History

The competition was founded in 2004 by David Hopkins and in the first year was co-convened by Pamela Keegan in association with NUI Maynooth's Literary and Debating Society. That year saw 59 teams enter in what originally planned to be a local competition for the Dublin 15 area.

The following year the competition discontinued its association with Maynooth's L&D society after a series of complaints were made by competitors regarding the conduct of the society's auditor. The 2005/06 Competition was again convened by David Hopkins in association with UCD's Literary and Historical Society. This year saw the number of teams double to over 110 in total. The most successful year of the competition to date was 2006/07 when over 120 teams entered. That year the competition was co-convened by Catherine Duplaa and Shane Smith. Together they captured increased sponsorship funds and expanded the competition to schools that had never previously entered. The 2007/08 competition has just concluded and was successfully convened by Orla Kenny and Barry Guihen.

Final Motions

2005"That this house would reintroduce the Death Penalty"

2006"That this house regrets the publication of the Danish Cartoons"

2007"That this house would legalise the use of torture"

2008"That this house would make the Payment of Ransom illegal"

Previous Winners