Brian Stanley
Question:53 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which she will publish revised wording for a referendum on children’s rights. [15104/12]
View answerThursday, 22 March 2012
Questions (51)
Written answers
Since taking office, both myself and officials of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs have had a very considerable number of meetings and communications with the Attorney General and her officials to progress this commitment. A draft wording is being prepared by the Office of the Attorney General in co-operation with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. We are jointly focused on ensuring that the proposed Referendum reflects the deliberations and conclusions of the Joint Committee and the commitment in the Programme for Government.
The Referendum on Children's Rights is a Programme for Government priority. The Government is satisfied that the nature of this referendum is such that it will be a stand-alone matter, to allow for a full debate on the issue and so that people clearly understand the facts. The referendum wording will be along the lines of that proposed by the All-Party Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children (JCCAC). From the outset of deliberations in relation to the constitutional amendment on children's rights the need for all party consensus on this topic was highlighted. As a member of the JCCAC I can attest to the level of all party co-operation afforded the then Government in the work of the Committee.
It is my intention to consult with parties by way of briefings as the output of the deliberations emerges. I also envisage that the issue will be considered by the Joint Committee on Health, Children and Youth Affairs. It is my intention to seek approval from Government for the proposed wording, with a view to holding the referendum this year. A decision on the holding of the referendum on children's rights will be mindful of the need to have a referendum in relation to the fiscal compact and that a referendum in relation to the abolition of the Seanad is also a Government commitment.