Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the implementation of the national decision-making strategy; the measures that will be taken in assisting secondary school students in making decisions regarding their future careers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29310/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy refers to first National Strategy for the Participation of Children and Young People in Decision Making (2015-2020), which I launched on 17th June 2015. This National Strategy builds on the achievements and challenges of the National Children’s Strategy in further embedding effective, meaningful and systematic participation by children and young people in decision-making on issues that affect them in all aspects of their lives.

The National Strategy for the Participation of Children and Young People in Decision Making includes an Action Plan containing agreed actions for key Government departments and agencies, including the Department of Education and Science. The DCYA will oversee and drive implementation of these actions under the structures established to implement Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, 2014-2020,published in April 2014. Better Outcomes, Brighter Futuressets out the Government’s agenda and priorities in relation to children and young people under the age of 25 and provides the overarching framework for the development and implementation of policy and services.

The National Strategy for the Participation of Children and Young People in Decision Making strongly promotes the importance of children and young people’s involvement in decision-making in education policy, in the running of schools and services, in school inspections, and school self-evaluation, in the curriculum, in behaviour and bullying policies, in support services and other areas, as outlined in the Action Plan. In addition, the strategy notes the need for improvement in the effectiveness of student councils in second-level schools, in accordance with the Education Act 1998 and the establishment of student councils in primary schools.

The strategy also outlines actions to ensure that children and young people participate in decision-making in non-formal education systems, such as youth clubs and services.

My Department will have a key role in supporting the implementation of the National Strategy for the Participation of Children and Young People in Decision Making (2015-2020). The establishment of a Children and Young People’s Participation Hub as a national centre of excellence is the key priority action for the DCYA in the Action Plan accompanying the strategy. The Hub will provide information, guidance and practical support to Government departments and agencies in delivering commitments outlined in the Action Plan. It will also become a key driver in supporting the implementation of this strategy and Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. To achieve this, the hub will champion and promote participation, create resources and training materials, conduct training, document and disseminate learning and establish an online children’s participation database. It will also form partnerships with third-level and adult education institutions to oversee development of education on children’s rights (including participation in decision-making) for professionals who work with and on behalf of children and young people. Work has already begun on the development of the Hub.