Durkan addresses youth forum on making new law

A Youth Forum, aimed at encouraging young people to give their views on physical punishment of children in the home, has been opened by the Minister of Finance and Personnel, Mark Durkan.

The forum, which is comprised of a group of fourth year students from schools in the Derry area, is designed to encourage young people to air their views on physical punishment.

Last month Mr Durkan announced a major public consultation to see how the law can be improved to provide children with greater protection. At present, if a parent, who uses physical punishment to discipline their child, is charged with assault or a more serious crime of violence they may use the defence of reasonable chastisement – a defence that dates back to 1860.

Speaking at the forum he said: “No one knows for sure what is ‘reasonable’, so clearly our law doesn’t do enough to protect a child who is assaulted by a parent nor does it give a child the same protection under the law as an adult.

“Your views and opinions are very important to us. You have a key part to play in our society and in shaping your own future. Today you have the chance to make a real difference – to help make a new law.

“And I would like to throw down that challenge to you. Make your voices heard in this consultation. It affects you and it will affect your children.”

As well as listening to the Minister speak, the students attended workshops where they examined the various issues relating to the law and its application to various case studies. The day ended with a presentation of the findings at a plenary session in the Youth Parliament. The information and opinions gathered will now be fed into the wider consultation on the issue.

Minister Durkan concluded by telling the young people: “You are standing on the brink of adult life. You are citizens too. What you think matters. Use today to make your voices heard.” (AMcE)