FF calls for time to debate children’s rights referendum

The Government has been urged by Fianna Fáil to allow sufficient time to debate the children’s rights referendum ahead of the expected release of the wording of the long-awaited vote today.

The party also unveiled Barry Andrews, the former minister for children, as its director of elections for the referendum.

Last night it emerged the upcoming children’s rights referendum would propose changing four articles of the Constitution.

Despite the delay on the text of the amendments, the Government looks set to propose changes to four sections.

The threshold for when the State can intervene in a family will still be reserved for exceptional circumstances.

Voters will be asked one catch-all question as the changes will be grouped.

Speaking at Fianna Fáil’s pre-Dáil think-in, party leader Micheál Martin called on members of the Coalition to make up their minds about James Reilly, the health minister.

Fianna Fáil will move a motion of no confidence in Mr Reilly today, following concerns over his handling of the health budget.

Mr Martin said it was important the public and interested groups had time to debate the children’s rights referendum.

“We’ve some concerns about the timeline between now and the referendum itself. We would simply urge the Government not to rush this, publish the wording, let’s provide ample time for people to understand it and to have the situation explained properly and clearly to the public.”

Mr Martin also said his party would be submitting its own budget proposal to the Government.

The party plans to oppose the introduction of a property tax next year, which it claims households cannot afford at this time.

“We will produce our own package in terms of meeting the deficits that have been set in the four-year plan. We did that last year and we will do that this year.”

However, he refused to say how his party would raise funds as a substitute for the property tax.

He said Labour ministers needed to decide whether they supported James Reilly ahead of a vote of no-confidence in the health minister.

It also emerged yesterday that Mr Martin is set to have a head-to-head debate with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams which will take place on RTÉ’s Prime Time on Thursday.