NOVEMBER 2007

Poll for Inishowen Youth

More than 1,030 primary and post-primary schools, Youthreach centres and senior travelling centres from all over the country are taking part in Ireland's first ever nationwide poll of children and young people. The aim of this initiative-called the Big Ballot is to help shape the work of the Ombudsman for Children's Office (OCO).

At least 200,000 children and young people will have a say in the issues that the children's ombudsman, Emily Logan and her team will focus on over the next few years.

The Big Ballot will give children and young people from the ages of 4 to 14 the opportunity to vote on a number of issues in a referendum style event.

These issues include: Children's Right to be Heard; Family and Care; Health; Education and Play and Leisure and Recreation. The OCO will commit to working on these issues prioritised by the children and young people over the coming years. The Big Ballot is the first time anything on this scale has been done in Ireland.

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