02/11/2005

Minister committed to tackling issues facing children

NIO Minister Jeff Rooker has committed himself to championing the causes of children and young people throughout Northern Ireland.

Speaking following round table talks with the major local political parties and a meeting with representatives of over 60 children's organisations, the Minister said it was essential that he get a real understanding of the key issues that affect children and young people's lives.

"By engaging with the political parties and children's organisations I have been able to hear first hand the key issues impacting on the lives of children and young people in Northern Ireland," the Minister said.

"I have heard views on a wide range of topics including child protection, preventative services, issues relevant to health and education, children with specific needs, rights and equality, service planning and delivery issues, poverty and the participation of children in decision making. I will be examining carefully all the issues raised by both groups and considering any necessary further action."

The Minister said that he would ensure that issues relevant to the work of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Children & Young People would be tabled for discussion at the next meeting of the Committee in January.

He also stressed that many of the issues raised will be dealt with through the implementation of the 10-year strategy for children and young people which will be launched in early 2006.

(MB/SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 July 2021
Action for Children Named As Lord Mayor Supported Charity
Action for Children has been named as one of the charities that Belfast Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl will support during her year in office.
12 November 2019
QUB: Resource Launched To Support Children In Violence
Academics at Queen's University Belfast have launched a training resource aimed at enhancing responses to violence against children.
14 June 2023
PSNI Launches New Strategy On Young People's Policing Priorities
The PSNI has announced the launch of a new Children and Young People Strategy, which sets out a number of key priorities for the police service. Over 400,000 young people (under 18s) live locally and so they make up a huge percentage of the community that the PSNI serve and protect.
10 August 2005
NI’s first Minister for Children announced
Secretary of State Peter Hain today confirmed that Jeff Rooker is to become Northern Ireland’s first Minister for Children. The Minister will act as a champion for children within government and will complement the role played by Northern Ireland’s present Commissioner for Children and Young People.
20 June 2006
NICCY announces ten-year strategy
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People has today welcomed the launch of the governments Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People. The Commissioner, Barney McNeany, who attended today's launch, said: “This has been a long awaited day so I am very pleased to welcome the launch of the strategy.