Infrastructure Minister has encouraged young people to
make their voices heard on decisions that impact them, now and in
the future.
He 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, Chris 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.”
