Minister: Children's rights referendum before year ends

The Minister for Children has said he is hopeful that a referendum on children's rights will take place before the end of the year.

Barry Andrews made the remarks at an event in Dublin to mark the first anniversary of the publication of the Ryan Report.

The Ryan Report examined the abuse of children in institutions run by the state and religious orders.

Child protection groups, including Barnardos and the ISPCC, have hit out at the Government for the delay in holding a referendum.

Minister Andrews said the Government and the Attorney General were continuing work on the wording for the referendum.