Fionn
Youth Assembly Member
On Thursday 7 November me and my fellow Youth Assembly Members attended the Public Accounts Committee’s report launch on child poverty in Northern Ireland. This event was more than just an ordinary meeting. It was an emotional gathering that highlighted a really important issue affecting so many children and families in our communities.
From the moment I walked into the venue, I could sense the seriousness of the topic. It felt like there was a heavy weight in the air, and everyone in the room was focused on one crucial goal: raising awareness about the alarming rates of child poverty and considering a way forward.
We were sat at tables with different members of the Committee and stakeholders where we got the opportunity to talk about the report and why addressing child poverty is important. There were speakers from different backgrounds who presented on the panel. The event was opened by Committee Chairperson Daniel McCrossan MLA with Committee Member Colm Gildernew MLA taking part in the panel alongside a wide range of representation from organisations such as Trása Canavan from Barnardo’s, Goretti Horgan from Ulster University and Alex Tennant from NICCY all of whom presented some shocking statistics. They revealed how many young people are living in poverty, which means they’re missing out on basic needs like food, clothing, and education opportunities. It was heart-breaking to hear, and it made me realize how urgent this issue really is. The event was closed by the Committee’s Deputy Chair Cheryl Brownlee MLA.
What struck me the most was the sense of shared responsibility we all felt. The report discussed not only the current situation but also the deeper systemic reasons behind child poverty. It emphasized the need for changes in policy and community action if we want to make a real difference. That really opened my eyes to the fact that we, as young people, can play a vital role in advocating for change.
After the presentation, there were lively discussions about what we can do to tackle child poverty. Ideas ranged from enhancing educational support and improving mental health services to promoting more community activities for young people. Some Youth Assembly Members also had the opportunity to interview the Public Accounts Committee, asking them important questions such as why child poverty was important to them and why it is important to talk to young people about these important issues. You can watch the video on our social media channels. It was an insightful event and an event I was delighted to attend.
The Public Accounts Committee report into Child Poverty can be accessed here:
Public Accounts Committee – Report on Child Poverty in Northern Irelan
