Press Diary Notice

Monday 10th November 2008
Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings

The Schools Debate will take place on 10th November 2008 in the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings. The event is being organised by SDLP Youth (youth group of the Social Democratic and Labour Party) and the Young Unionists (youth group of the Ulster Unionist Party).

We are planning the day in conjunction with the NI Assembly’s Education Service. It is a cross-community event and use of the Senate Chamber has been granted by the Speaker of the NI Assembly.

Peter Armstrong, Chair of SDLP Youth said: “We are delighted to co-host the Schools Debate 2008. The event will bring young people from schools across the north to the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings for a cross-community debate on local and international politics.

“There will be four debating sessions chaired by SDLP and Ulster Unionist MLAs. Also the MLAs will be joining with the students in debating the various motions, in topics including local government, the impact of race relations in the US elections, and international issues such as the conflicts in Darfur and Georgia.

“We are always looking to bring more young people to the seat of local government, and I hope this is a hugely beneficial opportunity for all the students.”

The agenda for the day is as follows:

Arrival - 10:30
Debating Sessions:
11:00 - Devolved government is good for NI
11:30 - Race relations has had a major impact on the recent US Presidential elections
12:00 - Military intervention is required in Darfur
12:30 - The recent Georgian conflict signalled the restarting of the Cold War
13:00 Photo opportunity with Media in Great Hall
13:10 Lunch provided