Children’s rights - Not a day too early

The Government yesterday published the wording of the children’s rights amendment to the Constitution and even if it has been nearly two decades in the making it is very welcome.

Hardly any Irish person needs to be reminded of the horrors inflicted on generations of vulnerable children. Indeed, for many of us even recalling the abuses highlighted in the 17 reports dealing with the issue is a deeply disturbing experience.

There seems to be an immediate impression that the amendment is appropriate to the needs of children who might require the protection of the State. The weeks leading to the Nov 10 vote give us all an opportunity to ensure that this legislation will do all that is necessary to prevent a recurrence of the horrors of the past.