Hanafin calls for boycott of goods produced through child labour

The Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin, has appealed today for a boycott of goods which are knowingly made by children.

This Sunday has been declared World Day Against Child Labour.

Youngsters from two primary schools have been involved in a march past the shops of Dublin's Grafton Street to raise awareness about the world's 250 million children trapped in bonded servitude.

Ms Hanafin supports educating children here about it.

Ms Hanafin said: "Child labour is a very serious world global problem. There are particular countries where there are no respect for the rights of the child.

"The rights that have been recognised in United Nations charters and council of Europe charters, I think its right that children everywhere should be aware of this and I think even as purchasers or consumers we should be active in ensuring that we're not purchasing T-Shirts or goods that are used in involving child labour."