Children’s referendum on election day a step closer

A REFERENDUM that will enshrine the rights of the child in the Constitution could go before the electorate on general election day, Children’s Minister Barry Andrews said last night.

The long-awaited referendum, first mooted by Bertie Ahern when he was Taoiseach, moved a step closer after Mr Andrews’ department finalised the wording and issued it to children’s rights groups and opposition spokespersons yesterday.

However, the minister said it could only take place on the same day of a general election if the election was held on March 25 or later.