Fine Gael to hear of referendum plans

The Fine Gael party will today hear plans for the children's rights referendum as their meeting continues in County Mayo.

Labour will also gather for their pre-Dáil think-in - ahead of the return to Leinster House next week.

After yesterday's focus on the economy and the months ahead before a tough budget, Fine Gael TDs, Senators and MEPs today will turn to the next electoral contest.

A Children's Rights referendum will be held this autumn, most likely in mid-November.

They'll be told the wording to enshrine children's rights in the constitution has now been finalised and just needs Cabinet approval.

The Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald will also travel to the PLP conference tomorrow to inform her coalition colleagues too.

That meeting gets underway later in Carton House in Kildare, with discussions on reform plans in Social Protection, the economy and the budget.