Statement by Ombudsman for Children on proposed Constitutional referendum on children’s rights

As the person with statutory responsibility for promoting children’s rights and welfare in Ireland, I have serious concerns about the growing political pressure for an early but limited referendum dealing only with the issue of child protection.

I do not support any proposal to hold a limited referendum. If the Joint Committee requires more time to deal with all of the pertinent issues I would support the extension of its work.

The Government has made a commitment to the holding of a referendum dealing with children’s rights including child protection. I have written to An Taoiseach outlining my concerns. I will present my views in a submission to the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children next week. I will make the submission public at that time.

ENDS

Publications on the Constitutional referendum on children’s rights

Click here to read our Submission to the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children – February 2008

Click here to read our Report to the Oireachtas on the Twenty-Eight Amendment to the Constitution Bill – March 2007

Click here to read our Advice on the Proposed Referendum on Children’s Rights – December 2006

Click here to read our Submission to the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution – January 2005

Previous statements on the Constitutional referendum on children’s rights

Read State Needs to Support Families in Upcoming Children’s Rights Referendum – January 2007

Read Statement in Relation to the Proposed Constitutional Referendum on Children’s Rights – November 2006

Read Constitution Committee’s Recommendations a Retrograde Step – January 2006

Read Constitutional Change needed to Protect Children’s Rights – April 2005

Read Position of Children in Constitution is Cause for Concern – January 2005

• 6 February 2008
• Type: Press Release