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.