Guarded reaction to referendum wording

CHILDREN’S advocacy groups last night gave a guarded response to the proposed wording of the long-awaited constitutional amendment on children’s rights.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children said it would not be commenting until the wording had been reviewed fully, a sentiment echoed by the Children’s Rights Alliance. In a statement, the ISPCC said it would give time to analysing and considering the implications of this wording as it relates to the further promotion and protection of children’s rights.

Jillian van Turnhout, chief executive of the CRA, said: “The Alliance will not take an official stance on whether to support the proposed wording until such time as the wording is officially published and we have had an opportunity to carefully consider it.”