Commissioner meets Deputy First Minister and Junior Ministers at Stormont

The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, met Deputy First Minister Emma Little‑Pengelly MLA, and Junior Ministers Joanne Bunting MLA and Aisling Reilly MLA on Tuesday in what was a very positive and constructive meeting focused on improving outcomes for babies, children and young people.

The meeting enabled in‑depth discussions on child safeguarding, with a strong sense of shared purpose and agreement on a number of key issues affecting children and young people across Northern Ireland.

The Commissioner briefed the Ministers on his intention to undertake focused work on child safeguarding and outlined plans to produce an annual statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly. This statement will highlight key issues impacting children and young people, with a view to seeking Assembly engagement and comment.

Discussions also covered a range of priority areas including ending violence against women and girls, supporting vulnerable young males, mental health, addiction, social media, child criminal exploitation, and the impact of criminal gangs on children and families.

The Commissioner also discussed his ambition to see the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) incorporated into domestic law, alongside his views on the position and independence of his Office within the wider architecture of the NI Assembly.

Overall, the meeting reflected strong alignment and a shared commitment to promoting and protecting the rights, safety and best interests of all children and young people, demonstrating a clear desire to work collaboratively to deliver real and lasting change.