Children's Referendum 'to happen this year'

Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald has announced that a referendum on children's rights will happen this year.

Minister Fitzgerald, who was today addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, said she hopes to bring the Bill to the people as soon as possible.

She also said she has received a worrying report by the Independent Child Death Review Group into the deaths of 196 children who had been in the care system, and will be publishing that report as soon as possible.

But the Minister said the long-awaited children's referendum, first mooted by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, will be going ahead this year.

"It is my intention to propose to the Oireachtas that we put a referendum to the electorate on the incorporation into the Constitution of new provisions which copperfasten the interests of children.

"The referendum will be held this year.

"Discussions are ongoing with the Attorney General on the detailed wording."

The commitment was "warmly welcomed" by the Children's Rights Alliance, which has campaigned for the referendum to go ahead.

“The Alliance is of the firm opinion that this is our one and only opportunity to make legal history for children in Ireland," said Chief Executive Tanya Ward.

"It is absolutely crucial that the Government produces a comprehensive amendment to make children visible in the Constitution and make a real difference to their lives.

“We truly believe that there is public appetite for such a change and that the people of Ireland will go eagerly to the ballot box to proudly claim that: ‘yes, we value children’.”