Northern Ireland
Assembly

26 February 2010 

SO08/09/10

PRESS RELEASE

YOUNG PEOPLE GIVE YOUTH ASSEMBLY A THUMBS UP

The Northern Ireland Assembly has received over 250 self-nominations from young people across Northern Ireland who want to play a part in setting up a Youth Assembly. Thirty young people, chosen from the nominees, will help develop the look, feel and purpose of a Northern Ireland Youth Assembly which will be launched in late 2011. Speaking at the end of the nomination process the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay, MLA said: We are delighted at the level of interest shown in this Youth Assembly and with the high number of nominations we have received. Nominations have come from young people throughout Northern Ireland and I am particularly pleased that a large proportion of the nominees live in rural locations. It demonstrates the enthusiasm of young people to engage in the democratic process and to help shape the future of Northern Ireland politics. The Panel of 30 young people will work with us over the next 12 months to ensure the Youth Assembly gives young people a strong voice on issues that concern them.

The Youth Panel will be made up of 30 young people and will meet regularly around Northern Ireland over the course of a year. They will work with the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission to develop plans for a youth assembly. It is an opportunity for young people to make a real difference and secure a stronger voice in issues that concern them, as well as gain experience and develop skills for the future.

Notes to Editors:

[i] 100 nominations will be randomly selected by computer to participate in a peer-selection event during which 30 young people will be selected to form the Youth Panel.  The Youth Panel will meet for the first time in March 2010. Interview opportunities are available with The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr William Hay, MLA. To request an interview please contact the Communications Office, details below.

For further information, or to arrange an interview or photo opportunity, please contact:

Sinead Murphy
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 90 525938
Mobile: 078 998 64368
Email: sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk