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."