Menu
29/08/2024
Young People Must Make 'Their Voices Heard' – O'Dowd
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has called on Northern Ireland's young people to "make their voices heard" on decisions that impact them, now and in the future.
The Minister was speaking following a meeting with the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, and representatives of the NICCY Youth Panel where they discussed issues of particular interest.
These included: the role of children and young people in the Department's policy process; how their voices can be heard in the planning system; and the issues they face when travelling by public transport or in rural areas.
Minister O'Dowd said: "I am keen to strengthen how my Department engages with young people to inform future decision-making and policy prioritisation so it was a pleasure to meet with the Commissioner, Chis Quinn, and Youth Panel members to hear directly about the issues they care about.
"Young people and children have their own set of needs and perspectives about our transport network, our planning system and, as I heard today, often take a long-term view of our future infrastructure needs and provision.
"It's important that my Department continues to encourage young people to take part in our policy consultations and to have their voices heard on decisions that affect them. I want to thank the Youth Panel members for their openness and enthusiasm today. It is clear from our discussion that they have much to offer in helping to shape and inform future policy decisions."
The Minister was speaking following a meeting with the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, and representatives of the NICCY Youth Panel where they discussed issues of particular interest.
These included: the role of children and young people in the Department's policy process; how their voices can be heard in the planning system; and the issues they face when travelling by public transport or in rural areas.
Minister O'Dowd said: "I am keen to strengthen how my Department engages with young people to inform future decision-making and policy prioritisation so it was a pleasure to meet with the Commissioner, Chis Quinn, and Youth Panel members to hear directly about the issues they care about.
"Young people and children have their own set of needs and perspectives about our transport network, our planning system and, as I heard today, often take a long-term view of our future infrastructure needs and provision.
"It's important that my Department continues to encourage young people to take part in our policy consultations and to have their voices heard on decisions that affect them. I want to thank the Youth Panel members for their openness and enthusiasm today. It is clear from our discussion that they have much to offer in helping to shape and inform future policy decisions."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 January 2024
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
22 December 2023
Over 60 NI Businesses Support New Young People Initiative
More than 60 businesses from across Northern Ireland have announced their joint support for enterprise education charity, Young Enterprise (YE), which aims to support the next generation of Northern Irish entrepreneurs. With the support of the business community, YE has announced the launch of their new Business Backers campaign.
Over 60 NI Businesses Support New Young People Initiative
More than 60 businesses from across Northern Ireland have announced their joint support for enterprise education charity, Young Enterprise (YE), which aims to support the next generation of Northern Irish entrepreneurs. With the support of the business community, YE has announced the launch of their new Business Backers campaign.
14 October 2022
Report Highlights Young People's Experiences Of Violence
91% of young males and 96% of young females have experienced one or more violent acts or behaviours at some point in their lifetime, according to a new report on the experiences and attitudes of 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland.
Report Highlights Young People's Experiences Of Violence
91% of young males and 96% of young females have experienced one or more violent acts or behaviours at some point in their lifetime, according to a new report on the experiences and attitudes of 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland.
07 September 2022
Lord Mayor Announces 2023 One Young World Summit
More than 2,000 young people from over 190 countries across the world are expected to visit Belfast in October 2023 for the One Young World Summit, Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black has announced. A delegation from Belfast will attend a special handover ceremony from current host city Manchester this week.
Lord Mayor Announces 2023 One Young World Summit
More than 2,000 young people from over 190 countries across the world are expected to visit Belfast in October 2023 for the One Young World Summit, Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black has announced. A delegation from Belfast will attend a special handover ceremony from current host city Manchester this week.
17 July 2002
Hanna praises role of New Deal in securing jobs
A report on the New Deal for 18-24 year olds has revealed that the scheme has made unemployed people aged 18-24 more likely to find a job or secure a place in education and training.
Hanna praises role of New Deal in securing jobs
A report on the New Deal for 18-24 year olds has revealed that the scheme has made unemployed people aged 18-24 more likely to find a job or secure a place in education and training.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
