Let’s have children’s rights referendum

GIVEN Ireland’s appalling history as regards the wellbeing of children, the latest report from UNICEF placing us last in a list of 25 nations focusing on childhood services is a national disgrace.

Minister for Children Barry Andrews may huff and puff in an attempt to muddy the waters but in the eyes of the world — as The Australian newspaper, commenting on their bad placing, put it: “Our early childhood services sit above only those of Canada and Ireland.”

The Government will say it has appointed a Minister for Children who is allowed to attend cabinet meetings when children’s issues are being discussed.

Fianna Fáil’s general election manifesto devoted two lines to child policy. They stated if re-elected they would create 50,000 extra childcare places. Given that the UNICEF study indicated that creche care was bad for young babies, it is obvious the Government gave little thought to children’s complex needs. Children’s rights must now be inserted in our constitution.

Get your act together, Minister Andrews, and make this a reality.

Jim Jackman

Spokesperson

Children’s Voice Éire

Park Drive Court

Castleknock

Dublin 15