Northern Ireland
Assembly

26 January 2010 

SO06/09/10

PRESS RELEASE

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY LAUNCHES PLANS FOR A YOUTH ASSEMBLY

At a special event in Parliament Buildings, William Hay, MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly today launched plans for a youth assembly to give young people the chance to make a real difference and have a stronger voice in issues that concern them.

Speaking at the event The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay, MLA said: “The Northern Ireland Assembly Commission wants everyone to get involved and be part of the work of the Assembly. Young people are an important part of that. As a Commission, we are committed to giving young people the opportunity to help shape their future. Establishing a Northern Ireland youth assembly marks the first step towards achieving this.

“We are asking young people to nominate themselves for a Youth Panel to help us develop the look, feel and purpose of the youth assembly – we hope this will be a fun and challenging experience. With the support of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Youth Panel will listen and take on board people’s views and work with us to decide the shape and functions of the youth assembly. We expect the youth assembly to meet for the first time towards the end of 2011.

“This is a very exciting opportunity. We very much hope that young people from all sections of the community will get involved and help ensure that Northern Ireland’s youth assembly truly is a voice for young people. ”

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.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Interviews opportunities are available with The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay, MLA. To request an interview please contact the Communications Office, details below.

The deadline for nominations for the Youth Panel is Friday 19 February. Nomination forms and guidance notes are available for download at www.facebook.com/niyouthassembly

A peer selection event will be held in March 2010, from which a panel of 30 young people will be formed.

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

Jennifer Pleavin
Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1606
Mobile : 07502 379339
Email: jennifer.pleavin@niassembly.gov.uk

Stephanie Mallon
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1953
Mobile : 07825 146794
Email: Stephanie.Mallon@niassembly.gov.uk