To develop a draft proposal for NINFY (Northern Ireland Network for Youth) which will realise the Department of Education's goal of 'strengthening the direct voice of young people in all relevant aspects of government provision' as outlined by the former Education Minister, Angela Smith. As part of the RPA changes, the intention is that ESA (Education and Skills Authority) will have a statutory duty to establish and maintain NINFY. DE will not direct ESA how to establish NINFY, but will present ESA with possible options for consideration. The purpose of the working group is to identify possible options for consideration. Any proposals will need to address the following dimensions :

»	It will be an integral and essential component of an overall coherent participation 'system' within Northern Ireland.
»	It will be complementary to other relevant participation initiatives.
»	It will be 'recognised' by all sectors providing services to children and young people, and by the NI Assembly, NI Executive, local government, and all Government departments.
»	It will have effective ‘links’ at both regional and local level.
»	It will be accessible to all children and young people up to the age of 25.