Cyclists yesterday gathered in force and demanded more resources to be ringfenced to build cycling routes, to promote cycling, and to aid the environment by keeping traffic off the roads.

Just three fines a week were imposed on motorists who parked in cycle lanes last year, Garda figures have revealed.

The Guide [to the forthcoming referendum] cites one of two existing Constitutional rights of children, namely the corollary of Article 42.4: “The State shall provide for free primary education…” and the second child-specific right, which the Commission has chosen not to inform voters of, and which is, and has been shown to be relevant to voters.

The statement issued by Government sources that the proposed children’s rights amendment to the Constitution will be a “strong, robust article designed to enhance the constitutional protection of children from abusive situations” is somewhat lacking in credibility.