Step in right direction

In response to the letter (Guardians’ rights, Oct 24) it is my understanding that when an adult becomes guardian of a child; they are acting in “loco parentis”.

They are essentially taking the place of the parent(s) and are tasked with fulfilling a parental obligation to the child.

The wording “guardian” does not appear elsewhere in the Constitution in articles pertaining to parents and the family because it is assumed and understood that guardians fulfil the same obligations as parents and thus it is deemed unnecessary.

As for the wording of the referendum being “narrow”, that is actually one of its advantages. The referendum clearly sets out what it hopes to achieve and is not led down blind alleys. As such, it is a welcome step in the right direction.

Genevieve Lynch

Rathgar

Dublin