The British government is to press ahead with the establishment of a Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland, it was confirmed today.
Northern Ireland Office Minister Mr Des Browne, who has responsibility for children's legislation, said that two key initiatives began by the suspended Assembly - the establishment of a 10-year strategy and a commissioner would move forward.
He said: "Championing the rights of children and young people was a key priority for the Executive. I want to ensure the momentum that has been built up is not lost during the period of suspension."
It had been feared that after the suspension of the power-sharing institutions, plans for a commissioner would be shelved.
Mr Browne was speaking as he opened an event in Armagh as part of the consultation being undertaken for develop a 10 year strategy for children and young people.
The `Future Search' event brought together 72 people from organisations with an interest in children's policy to plan for a common vision for the future.
Eight of the participants were aged 12 to 17.
It will be used to inform the development of the children's strategy which will undergo a formal consultation period next spring.
Mr Browne added: "The purpose of this particular Future Search is to create a vision for all of the children and young people living in Northern Ireland and who better to do that than the people and organisations who have an interest or stake in that vision."
In parallel with consultation on the strategy, legislation will be taken forward at Westminster to establish a Children's Commissioner.
PA