FG: Andrews undermining work of committee on children’s rights

FINE GAEL has accused the Children’s Minister of undermining the work of the committee considering the wording of a children’s rights referendum by his repeated suggestions that a referendum may be unnecessary.

Party spokesman on children Alan Shatter said the whole reason behind the establishment of the all-party committee was in doubt because of Children’s Minister Barry Andrew’s remarks during the summer.

“I have listened to comments from the minister apparently trying to assure the general public that generally speaking, he doesn’t think there is any need for a referendum at all which undermines the whole purpose of this committee,” Mr Shatter told the committee.