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07/12/2010
NI Children's' Policies Debated
The youngest of NI's citizens were in focus at the Assembly on Monday as both an Early Years Strategy was discussed and child poverty was tackled.
The Stormont Junior Ministers, Robin Newton (pictured) and Gerry Kelly have launched a consultation on the draft Child Poverty Strategy.
Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said: "We all recognise the need to tackle child poverty but we also know that the solutions are not so easy to find. With this in mind, we welcome the launch a consultation on a draft Child Poverty Strategy.
"We are keen to hear the views of people here and in particular those most affected.
"The strategy sets out the key areas that we believe are crucial in addressing the causes and consequences of child poverty, and sets the strategic direction for the eradication of child poverty here. It is also intended to bring focus to the issue and promote a common aim across government.
"We remain fully committed to the challenge ahead and to taking the necessary steps to help all children have better life chances," the Sinn Fein MLA said.
Junior Minister Robin Newton said: "Child poverty impacts on many aspects of a child's life including their health, education, employment prospects and future potential.
"Therefore all departments have a role to play. We also recognise that this is not an issue we can tackle ourselves and we appreciate the role and good work of other agencies and non-government organisations, including the private sector.
"It is imperative that we work together to build on the successful work to date and progress future initiatives if we are to realise the core aims of this strategy.
"Tackling child poverty is not necessarily a new priority, but the economic recession, and the prospect of budget cuts, make it even more important to focus on this issue, to decide what we need to do to tackle it and decide what we need to keep doing to prevent the situation from getting worse," he commented.
Meanwhile, the draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy consultation by the Department of Education has been extended to 31 January.
The Sinn Fein Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, made the announcement during a debate on Early Years in the Assembly.
The Minister said: "The draft Early Years Strategy consultation was due to be completed on 30 November 2010.
"The consultation has raised a wide range of issues. There is clearly significant interest among parents, schools and a range of stakeholders on the best way forward.
"I want to ensure that there is a full and frank consideration of the issues. As such, I can announce that I am extending the consultation period on the draft Strategy to 31 January 2011."
The Minister continued: "The draft Early Years Strategy aims to set out a vision and a plan for the development of Early Years services. It seeks to ensure better outcomes for children by setting out a framework to improve provision and quality of services to the youngest children, their parents and families over the next five years.
"I want all interested parties to know that they have the opportunity to contribute to the debate and have their voice heard and I urge them to respond to the consultation," she said.
Her party colleague, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams used the debate to make his final contribution in a debate in the Assembly, as Mon day was his last day as an MLA before moving to a Co Louth constituency for next year's elections in the Irish Repubic.
Speaking in a debate on an Early Years Children's Strategy Mr. Adams said: "I want to speak in support of the motion and to thank the Education Committee for bringing it forward.
"There is a wealth of reports, studies, and information to support the wisdom of this proverb and to conclusively prove the value of early years programmes for children.
"This period in a child's life is crucial in its personal, social and educational development," he said.
"Basic social skills such as learning to co-operate or to take turns and the development of an emotional vocabulary are also essential to children. Young children need these skills if they are to develop and function effectively in social settings or in school.
"So, it is obvious that all children will benefit from early years programmes.
"I therefore welcome the Department's draft Early Years Strategy."
(BMcC/KMcA)
The Stormont Junior Ministers, Robin Newton (pictured) and Gerry Kelly have launched a consultation on the draft Child Poverty Strategy.
Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said: "We all recognise the need to tackle child poverty but we also know that the solutions are not so easy to find. With this in mind, we welcome the launch a consultation on a draft Child Poverty Strategy.
"We are keen to hear the views of people here and in particular those most affected.
"The strategy sets out the key areas that we believe are crucial in addressing the causes and consequences of child poverty, and sets the strategic direction for the eradication of child poverty here. It is also intended to bring focus to the issue and promote a common aim across government.
"We remain fully committed to the challenge ahead and to taking the necessary steps to help all children have better life chances," the Sinn Fein MLA said.
Junior Minister Robin Newton said: "Child poverty impacts on many aspects of a child's life including their health, education, employment prospects and future potential.
"Therefore all departments have a role to play. We also recognise that this is not an issue we can tackle ourselves and we appreciate the role and good work of other agencies and non-government organisations, including the private sector.
"It is imperative that we work together to build on the successful work to date and progress future initiatives if we are to realise the core aims of this strategy.
"Tackling child poverty is not necessarily a new priority, but the economic recession, and the prospect of budget cuts, make it even more important to focus on this issue, to decide what we need to do to tackle it and decide what we need to keep doing to prevent the situation from getting worse," he commented.
Meanwhile, the draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy consultation by the Department of Education has been extended to 31 January.
The Sinn Fein Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, made the announcement during a debate on Early Years in the Assembly.
The Minister said: "The draft Early Years Strategy consultation was due to be completed on 30 November 2010.
"The consultation has raised a wide range of issues. There is clearly significant interest among parents, schools and a range of stakeholders on the best way forward.
"I want to ensure that there is a full and frank consideration of the issues. As such, I can announce that I am extending the consultation period on the draft Strategy to 31 January 2011."
The Minister continued: "The draft Early Years Strategy aims to set out a vision and a plan for the development of Early Years services. It seeks to ensure better outcomes for children by setting out a framework to improve provision and quality of services to the youngest children, their parents and families over the next five years.
"I want all interested parties to know that they have the opportunity to contribute to the debate and have their voice heard and I urge them to respond to the consultation," she said.
Her party colleague, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams used the debate to make his final contribution in a debate in the Assembly, as Mon day was his last day as an MLA before moving to a Co Louth constituency for next year's elections in the Irish Repubic.
Speaking in a debate on an Early Years Children's Strategy Mr. Adams said: "I want to speak in support of the motion and to thank the Education Committee for bringing it forward.
"There is a wealth of reports, studies, and information to support the wisdom of this proverb and to conclusively prove the value of early years programmes for children.
"This period in a child's life is crucial in its personal, social and educational development," he said.
"Basic social skills such as learning to co-operate or to take turns and the development of an emotional vocabulary are also essential to children. Young children need these skills if they are to develop and function effectively in social settings or in school.
"So, it is obvious that all children will benefit from early years programmes.
"I therefore welcome the Department's draft Early Years Strategy."
(BMcC/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
