Children's rights referendum 'separate from election'

The Taoiseach said today that the proposed Referendum on Rights for Children will not take place on the same day as the General Election.

The Dáil was told that the Government is still engaging in talks with all the political parties with a view to forming rights that will be acceptable to all.

Bertie Ahern said that if the referendum didn't happen in April, it would take place early in the life of the next Dáil.

He said the vote on the issue would be separate to the election in order to prevent it from becoming politicised.