No side claims Govt backing referendum in order to save money

Campaigners for a No vote are accusing the Government of trying to cut costs through changes being introduced in the Children's Rights' Referendum.

Canvassing continues today ahead of the vote on November 10.

Wicklow Councillor Pat Kavanagh believes the 31st amendment to the Constitution is not in the best interests of the child and that the Government should be concentrating on putting supports in place for families in need.

She said, by making it easier to adopt children, the Government will save money.

On the Yes side, Government Ministers have said the referendum is about making sure abuses of the past never happen again.

Fine Gael's director of elections Leo Varadkar has said that the referendum is, in a way, an apology to victims of abuse in Ireland.

Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald agreed with Minister Varadkar, but said child abuse has not gone away and this referendum will make sure children are more protected in the future.