Statement in Relation to the Proposed Constitutional Referendum on Children’s Rights

The Ombudsman for Children is currently preparing advice to Government on the proposed Constitutional referendum on children’s rights. The Ombudsman for Children has a statutory mandate to offer advice to the Government on any matter relating to the rights and welfare of children, and in particular, to child-proof legislation under section 7(4) of the Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002.

The Ombudsman for Children will meet Minister of State with responsibility for children, Brian Lenihan in early December to discuss her advice.

This advice will be published shortly afterwards.

ENDS

The Ombudsman for Children originally called for express rights for children to be included in the Constitution in a submission to the All-Party Committee on the Constitution in January 2004.

• 22 November 2006
• Type: Press Release