THE Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Barney McNeany, has welcomed Mr Justice Weatherup’s decision to give permission for a judicial review

12 September 2006 News

THE Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Barney McNeany, has welcomed Mr Justice Weatherup’s decision to give permission for a judicial review on Government’s decision not to ban physical punishment of children.

Sitting in the High Court, Mr Justice Weatherup granted leave for the judicial review to proceed.

The Commissioner, in welcoming the decision said: “We believe that this legislation does not go far enough to protect children.

“We hope now that the judicial review will be successful, and will be presenting our arguments forcefully that Government was wrong to introduce legislation that potentially could still allow children to be hit.”

Notes for Editors

  • The Northen Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People will NOT be undertaking any interviews until the result of the judicial review is known.
  • More details of NICCY’s priority on physical punishment can be found on this website.
  • Previous NICCY press releases/statements on physical punishment can be found in the News section.