Public Consultation for new Government Strategy for Children and Young People Welcomed

Fine Gael Kildare North TD, Anthony Lawlor, has welcomed the new public consultation on the Government’s forthcoming Children & Young People’s Strategy, which was launched this week by Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD.

Deputy Lawlor urged local people to have their say in shaping Government policy by logging onto www.dcya.gov.ie and making a submission. The consultation period is open until 6th July.

“I am delighted that Minister Frances Fitzgerald has launched this important new public consultation. When drawing-up new policies and plans, it is only right that Government listens to and is led by the people. It is important that submissions are made which represent the views and needs of children and young people in Kildare North.

“I would urge all people, young and old to make submissions. parents, practitioners and those involved in youth organisations are particularly encouraged to play their part in the process.”

The Framework, which will succeed the previous National Children’s Strategy, will set out the Government’s high level policy priorities for children and young people for the next five years. It will be followed by more detailed Strategies for Early Years (0-6), Middle Childhood (6-12), and Youth (over 12).

Commenting on the new Policy Framework Minister Fitzgerald said: ‘it will represent a dynamic and forward-looking Government Strategy for Ireland’s Children and Young People. The lives of Irish children and young people have changed significantly over the past decade. This framework will reflect these changes and will seek to respond to the cutting-edge issues affecting Irish childhood and youth. The issues range from economic pressures, such as child poverty and youth unemployment, to heath problems, such as the rise in childhood obesity, and cultural influences, such as the impact of new technologies, media and consumerism.’

This stage of public consultation follows-on on from a previous focused consultation of 67,000 children and young people.

This public consultation is available for completion online at www.dcya.gov.ie, and paper copies are available on request, by calling Lo-Call number 1890-253352, or emailing consultation2012@dcya.gov.ie.