Ms Mary Cunningham:

We would suggest that the officials in youth affairs need to work with the voluntary youth sector and, indeed, with young people, to help inform the implementation plan rather than presenting one. As stated at the outset, it is about codesigning an implementation plan with people who have the relevant expertise and experience regarding what is actually practical.

We had a very good experience recently in relation to youth night. The pilot is happening on 21 November. We have been part of a working group, as have others around the table, working with officials in the Department sharing the knowledge and expertise about what is doable. That has worked for everybody. It has worked for the sector and for the officials. We will deliver something really meaningful. There is experience there that shows if you work with and involve from the outset you will come up with plans that are actionable and milestones, timelines, etc., that are realistic and doable.