Northern Ireland is to take a two-pronged approach to developing its national play policy with separate policies for younger and older children.
Children's minister Lord Jeff Rooker announced the Government wouldlaunch a consultation on its vision for better play for younger childrenlater this year. Work will then start on a recreation and leisurestrategy for older children and teenagers.
He pledged at a play conference last week that the policies would befully costed, a promise welcomed by acting children's commissionerBarney McNeany. McNeany told Children Now that he supported thetwo-pronged approach because it was what children and young people saidthey wanted.
"Overall, the key thing is about trying to get a sense of governmenttaking the matter seriously," he said.
