Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Boyhan. His point is excellent. The participation of young people, including children, is a fundamental tenet of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is vital that local authorities and all other public bodies learn as they go and ensure they include robust structures for engagement with marginalised groups, minorities, the Traveller community and young people, including children. It would make for more robust plans and processes; there is no doubt about that. I have been involved in such activity with minorities and the immigrant community. It has been useful to have really engaging dialogue. It is difficult to achieve.The Senator is right in this regard in that additional resources are required. In many cases, upskilling and training in local authorities will be required. That is a point we will take from this debate. It is a very worthwhile suggestion.