Brexit and Young People – Joint approach needed across Irish Sea
Zappone joins youth Ministers at British-Irish Council (Friday)
Statement by Dr Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone T.D. ,
believes that young people on both sides of the Irish Sea must be given an
active voice in the Brexit process.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of the British-Irish Council Minister Zappone
said the concerns of a mobile generation which has grown up free from
borders and barriers must be addressed.
The Minister is also warning that Brexit must not be allowed to undermine
the common rights enjoyed by young people across our shared islands.
Speaking ahead of the talks in Wales the Independent Minister added:
“A generation in Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, the
Isle of Man and the Channel Islands have not only grown up in peace – but
with common freedoms, protections and rights.
In Ireland we have been preparing for Brexit since before the Referendum,
however it is wrong to suggest that the result has not caused concern.
Young people I meet are fearful about the impact on their job prospects,
while children’s organisations fear our shared child protection, health and
social services could be undermined.
All the nations and territories of the Islands need to carefully consider
important issues which need protecting:
· Agreements which allow children travel to locations with the best medical
treatment
· The sharing of knowledge and services in terms of child welfare
· Police co-operation and European Arrest Warrants which ensure no hiding
place for those who wish harm on our children
· The continuation of common unhindered travel for a mobile generation
Each Government and Assembly of the British-Irish Council should be
encouraged to put in place measures to ensure children and young people can
express their views on how these and other important issues in terms of
Brexit.
The Irish Government has begun preparing for a special gathering of young
people and those working with young people in the New Year.
I look forward to sharing the outcome of those discussions with fellow
Ministers when we gather again under the British-Irish Council.”