HRC warn of dangers of citizenship referendum

The Human Rights Commission has written to the Department of Justice warning of the dangers of holding a referendum on citizenship rights.

Minister Michael McDowell is proposing to hold a vote on whether children born here to non-Irish parents should be given Irish citizenship.

The referendum would be held on the same day as the local elections.

Human Rights Commissioner, Michael Farrell, says the Commission has not taken a formal position on the proposed referendum, but has told the Minister for Justice that it would inflame racial tension.