Ministerial Sub Committee
The Ministerial Sub-Committee (MSC) was established under the previous administration and was set up following the appointment of a Minister for Children and Young People in August 2005. Its purpose was to enable resources to be used effectively and to facilitate joined-up working among the Departments.
The MSC was re-established in March 2008. It is chaired by the two OFMDFM Junior Ministers, Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly, who have responsibility for Children and Young People and all departmental Ministers are members. The NIO and the Northern Ireland Court Service are also represented. The Departments, the NIO and the Court Service also each have a Champion for Children and Young People.
The key priorities of the MSC are:
- A holistic and comprehensive approach to child poverty.
- A comprehensive early years strategy that focuses on the development and wellbeing of each child, including affordable access to high quality early years provision for families living in areas of disadvantage and poverty in urban and rural areas.
- Provision for vulnerable young people, including those in care settings, those engaged in anti-social behaviour and those in contact with the criminal justice system; promotion of good mental health and early intervention in addressing mental health issues as they arise; provision of care for children with autism, learning, physical and sensory disabilities including respite and community provision.
- Safeguarding, including support for parents, families and carers.
- Provision for children with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools, including transitions to adulthood and the provision of appropriate health and social care interventions.
- Provision of school buses, road safety and transport issues.
