Children’s referendum - Vulnerable must not be betrayed

OVER the last two decades a stark light has been belatedly shone into the unwelcoming, debauched corners of our society.

The sexual and physical abuse of children; the abuse of those — especially women — who did not conform to a lifestyle advocated by an insular, insecure and conservative society; tax evasion; planning irregularities and golden-circle favouritism were all brought to light. However, discovery did not always mean we could cope legislatively or emotionally with the magnitude of the betrayals revealed. We established tribunals; we were regretful and we were shamed.

Yesterday the Government moved to give meaningful expression to that regret when Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced a series of measures intended to “value and defend childhood to an extent never before attempted”.