Adopted in November 2000, the National Children's Strategy was formulated for Government by the then Minister for Children Mary Hanafin T.D. to progress the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in Ireland. The Strategy is grounded in six operational principles. All actions to be taken will be:

• Child centred
• Family oriented
• Equitable
• Inclusive
• Action oriented
• Integrated

Three National Goals were adopted:

• Children will have a voice
• Children's Lives will be better understood
• Children will receive quality supports and services

One of the measures involved at local level is the establishment of Comhairle na nÓg to represent youths between the age of 7 and 18 years. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County was chosen as the pilot county for a Special Strategy Initiative and in 2002 convened a Comhairle na nÓg.

Dail na nÓg is the focus for the 12 to 18 year olds and a Dáil na bPáistí is the focus for children aged between 7 and 12.

For further information on Comhairle na nÓg please contact Eugene Vesey, Economic Development and Community Department of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on 01-2054861 or e-mail evesey@dlrcoco.ie.

• Are you interested in Acting?
• Are you interested in making new friends?
• Are you between 15yrs and 18yrs?

If the answer to all the above is..Yes..Yes..Yes..

Then why not apply to join;

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Youth Theatre
No experience needed just enthusiasm and commitment

We meet once a week for drama workshops and rehearsals for performances.
Begins Wednesday 10th October -7pm-9pm – Venue : Playcentre Building, Library Rd, Dun Laoghaire.

Phone Lorraine on 2806147- 087 940 1189
Or drop it in to Dun Laoghaire Youth Service 62 Mulgrave St. Dun Laoghaire for application form.

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Youth Theatre is a Community Youth Theatre Project with an open door policy - cost is minimal and includes a small yearly subscription and small weekly sub, concessions available.

Youth Choices is directed at young people from 15 - 25yrs who have left school early. It has recently set up a new Drop-In Service offering Support, Help and Advice at:

Dun Laoghaire Youth Information Centre
137 Lower Georges St., Dun Laoghaire
every Wednesday 2 - 4pm.

Call in for a chat and explore your options.