Taoiseach: Referendum to treat children 'as citizens in own right'

A new article in the Constitution, dedicated entirely to children, is to be put to the people on November 10.

The coalition has published the wording of the proposed Children's Rights Referendum, and new adoption legislation.

If passed, the 31st Amendment will protect children from abuse and neglect, support families and treat all children equally.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the changes proposed will last a generation.

Mr Kenny said: "For too long in Ireland we have lived by the dictum that children should be seen and not heard. On Novermber 10th this year we have the opportunity to change all of that.

"With the Children's Referendum, it is proposed for the first time in this Republic to ask the people to vote to insert an article in the Constitution, Bunreacht na hEireann, dedicated entirely to children as individuals, as citizens in their own right."

"We will put forward a proposed amendment which would represent a major and historic change. This Amendment proposes to include a new standalone article in our Constitution, Article 42A, titled ‘Children’.

"This referendum is the clearest statement the nation can make that that legacy is being left behind."

The minister claimed that the referendum will change the Constitution in order to protect children, support families and treat all children equally.

Ms Fitzgerald said: "It will also bring to an end the current Constitutional situation where children are treated differently on the basis of their parent’s marital status, when it comes to issues such as adoption."