Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, on 12th April published the Participation of Children and Young People in Decision-making Action Plan 2024-2028.

This Action Plan builds on the ambition and achievements of the first National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making and aims to further promote the inclusion of children and young people in decision making at all levels – in the home, in school, in their communities and at national level.

The successful implementation of this Action Plan will, in the short term, result in the views of children and young people being harnessed to inform policy, services, legislation and research that is relevant to their lives. Their views will also be sought in evaluation and monitoring of relevant services and policies.

This Participation Action Plan will drive continued development of participation structures and practice, at local, national and international level, among organisations, sectors, practitioners and government departments and agencies. Through the implementation of these actions, and by using and enhancing existing resources and supports, DCEDIY will continue to innovate and lead the participation of children and young people in decision making across government and internationally.

The Participation of Children and Young People in Decision-making: Action Plan 2024-2028 is available in both English and Irish, and is supported by the publication of a Report on the Public Consultation on the next Government Policy Framework for the Participation of Children and Young People in Decision-making