By Lyra McKee (17) Headliners
Officials have met to discuss the importance of play in the first summit of its kind. The 5 Nation Summit, held in Stormont buildings, Belfast, saw workers debate government policy concerning recreation for children.
Junior Ministers Ian Paisley and Gerry Kelly addressed the Summit.
"As an Executive we are sincere about making positive changes for children and young people over the next 10 years", Mr Kelly said, "Prioritising and protecting their rights and addressing their needs are key issues for us."
Chairing the event, Children's Commissioner Patricia Lewsley spoke of the need for a Children's Minister within the Executive to ensure play policies are carried out. The problem is you don't have a Children's Minister, you have two Junior Ministers. "There is no clear line of responsibility." Jacqueline O'Loughlin, Playboard's chief executive, said that consultations on play policy between Government Officials and children's charities were not producing desired results. "[They] are edited greatly by the time they reach ministerial level."
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