Health is young people's biggest concern, UNICEF poll shows

Health has topped a list of concerns of Irish young people, in a UNICEF poll measuring their priorities for children across the world.

The full results of the survey will be announced at a Youth Summit in Dublin Castle today, where coloured balloons will be released as a symbol of wishes for a better world for young people.

"They've said very clearly in this poll that they are deeply concerned about all of the troubles affecting the world today, and especially how those troubles impact on young people," said Peter Power, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland.

"Health and education for young children everywhere is the key to relieve poverty and deprivation right throughout the world."

Children's Minister James Reilly will open the event, which comes ahead of a UN General Assembly in New York, where leaders will agree on the next set of Millennium Development Goals.