Press Release
For immediate use
16 May 2005
Donegal Youth Council urge teenagers to have say on new policy!
Donegal Youth Council is calling on all teenagers in Co. Donegal to have their say on the Governments new recreation policy for teenagers.
The Minister for Children Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D., has, for the first time committed to undertake the development of a recreation policy for teenagers and Donegal Youth Council is urging all young people in County Donegal to submit their views to the National Childrens Office.
This new policy for teenagers will focus on the lack of appropriate recreational facilities for teenagers and on the need for alternatives to combat under-age drinking and other social and personal problems.
The need for better recreation facilities that meet the needs of young people was one of the key themes selected by teenagers for debate at Dáil na nÓg in March 2005. Three elected youth councilors from Co. Donegal attended this years Dáil na nÓg; Aiden Carty, Criostóir O’ Dochartaigh and Alice Flanigan.
Anne McGeever, Youth Council Officer working with Donegal County Council stated that “young people have made a link between the lack of appropriate recreation facilities and a range of social and personal problems. Some of the aspects that give cause for concern are under-age drinking and the fall-off in physical activity with age, particularly by teenage girls”.
She added that “Donegal Youth Council urges all young people to get involved in this consultation as it is an invaluable opportunity for young people to have their say and give their views. It is important for a strong response to ensure that action will be taken to address the lack of suitable recreation facilities for young people in Donegal”.
Young people can have their say by filling in consultation forms available from the National Children Office at phone no. 012420000 or online www.nco.ie
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For further information contact:
Anne Marie Conlon
Communications Officer
Donegal County Council
Tel: 074 91 72574
Mob: 087 9192275