You are here:
The Big Debate 2012
Young people debated on both sides of the argument and gave their opinions about the referendum on children’s rights.
What was it?
In November 2012, Ireland voted in a referendum to recognise children in our constitution.
Talking to children and young people about issues that affect them is part of what we do so we held the only debate on the issue that involved young people in the Aviva Stadium a few days before the vote. Young people debated on both sides of the argument and gave their opinions about the referendum on children’s rights.
Who took part?
175 students from schools in Dublin, Clare, Monaghan, Laois and Limerick took part to debate the issues involved in the Children Referendum. National broadcaster, Joe Duffy, chaired the debate.
What did children and young people say?
Watch these two videos that explain the views of young people, many of them saying more should have been done to help them understand what the referendum was about.
