Scottish move on children's rights

Minister for education, Europe and external affairs, Jack McConnell, said last week that the Scottish Executive was 'sympathetic to the idea of a children's commissioner'. However, he did not commit to creating such a post.

He told the Scottish Parliament, 'Last year, the Executive asked the Education, Culture and Sport committee to consider whether a commissioner would bring benefits that existing structures could not. I am pleased that the committee, amid other business, has fitted that task into its timetable.

'We want to be clear about the functions such a commissioner should have and the added value that will be provided. The Parliament is changing our political culture and extending consultation and participation. We must be sure that a commissioner would provide something more.' Children's charities, which have been campaigning for a commissioner as an umbrella group 'Scotland for Children', welcomed the announcement. The group was concerned that Scotland might be falling behind when the Northern Ireland Assembly announced three weeks ago that it would establish a Children's Commissioner, following the example of Wales and other countries.