Govt asked to clarify position on Children's Rights referendum

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children’s Rights will meet today to discuss the proposed Children's Rights referendum.

Last week Children's Minister Barry Andrews indicated it may be possible to strengthen child protection laws without the country going to the polls.

But Fine Gael says the government has not got the stomach for another referendum following the defeat of the Lisbon Treaty.

Minister Andrews says a decision will not be made until after the committee publishes its report.