Include Youth welcomes the new Northern Ireland Assembly

"We congratulate all the returned and new MLAs and look forward to working with them to improve the lives of children and young people whose rights are not being met.

"We call on them to make a commitment within the new Programme for Government to ensure children and young people from disadvantaged situations reach their full potential in education, employment or training.

"Finally, we hope all the MLAs use their influential position to raise the profile of children and young people who feel they have no stake in this Fresh Start.

"We look forward to engaging with the Assembly on matters relating to youth justice and youth employment and hope to work with them to deliver better outcomes for all children and young people and the communities in which they live."

ENDS

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: For more information contact Sharon Whittaker, Communications Officer at Include Youth on 028 9031 1007 or sharon@includeyouth.org