THE assembly chamber will today hear a lively debate on the age of criminal responsibility - from teenagers rather than elected representatives.
The lack of an administration being formed in the wake of the last elections has had no impact on the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly.
It will today meet for its fourth plenary sitting in the assembly chamber. The sitting will see members come together to represent the voice of all young people across Northern Ireland.
It consists of 90 members, aged between 13 to 17. They will provide an update on their work to date and participate in a debate on the minimum age of criminal responsibility. They will discuss and vote on the motion: “This house believes that the minimum age of criminal responsibility should be raised in Northern Ireland from 10 to 14."
Speaker Alex Maskey will chair the sitting.
"The Youth Assembly Committees have been working hard, focusing on their issues and discussing how they can make a difference and what change they’d like to see," Mr Maskey said.
"All of the areas the young people are focusing on - health, education, environment and rights and equality - are extremely important to everyone who lives here, and it’s imperative that young people’s voices are represented so they too can help find ways to better our public services here and improve people’s quality of life.
"It is an excellent opportunity for our young people to be so closely involved in democracy, to learn how the political system works, and how to negotiate, influence and listen compassionately to the views of others. In turn, I think we all can learn from their level of enthusiasm, and their passion and strive for progress."