Children's charities plan for referendum

Children's charities tonight welcomed plans to hold a referendum to amend the Constitution to protect the young.

The Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children said it was the only way equal rights for youngsters could be guaranteed.

Barnardos insisted it would make every effort to ensure the vote, and the debate running up to it, would make a real, meaningful and lasting change to the children of Ireland.

Fergus Finlay, Barnardos’ chief executive, said he would be seeking strong wording in the Constitution.

“As Ireland’s largest children’s charity working in some of the most disadvantaged communities across Ireland, we would be advocating the strongest possible insertion into the Constitution, to ensure that the welfare of children is always a paramount consideration in future,” he said.

The ISPCC said the Constitution as it stands creates significant difficulties for the protection of children and the acknowledgement of their individual rights as citizens.

The charity added: “While awaiting the exact wording of the proposed amendment, the ISPCC believes that such an amendment will set an environment for better advancement of children’s rights, better protection of children and the development of more child-friendly, direct-access support services.

“To ensure this occurs, it is vital that young people themselves are consulted about, and participate in, the development of the proposed amendment.”

Deirdre Fitzpatrick, advocacy director of campaign group One in Four, also welcomed the move.

“We have repeatedly called for such a referendum and believe that such a change to our constitution is vital if Ireland is to be able to both nurture and protect its children,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.

“We would call on each political party to co-operate and work towards a common agreement on the wording of the amendment that ensures the highest possible standards of child protection and welfare for all children.

“We look forward to engaging in discussion with Government and all political parties in the coming weeks.”