Citizens encouraged to engage with 'Improving the lives of children and young people' consultation- Ó Ríordáin

Statement by Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Vice-Chair of the Jobs, Social Protection & Education Committee
Labour Party TD for Dublin North Central
Monday, 11th June 2012

Labour Party TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin is encouraging citizens, communities and interest groups across the country to engage with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs' public consultation on Improving the Lives of Children and Young People.

The Dublin North Central Deputy was speaking before the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs launched the consultation which seeks to develop plans to improve the lives of children and young people throughout the state.

Deputy Ó Ríordáin stated: "I welcome the launch of the initiative by the Minister this afternoon and I hope communities and interest groups concerned with issues affecting children and young people engage with this consultation.

"Over the next five years, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will be taking suggestions and ideas in order to formulate a comprehensive approach to tackling the major problems facing our youth. Almost one-third of Ireland's population is under the age of 26, therefore it is crucial that we, as a society, put children's rights and child protection at the forefront of public policy in this country.

"I look forward to engaging with the Department's initiative over the coming months."