The Programme for Government 2011 states that the referendum on Children's Rights is a priority, and that the wording will be along the lines of that proposed by the All Party Oireachtas Committee. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has commenced discussions with the Attorney General, with a view to preparing a draft wording which will more closely reflect the work of the Committee, than that which the previous government approved in draft form. Following these deliberations, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs intends to bring the matter to Government for approval to draft a bill and hold a referendum.
A small team within the Department is working on this issue. Arrangements for holding a referendum will be primarily a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and staff from my Department will liaise with that Department as appropriate.
The Referendum will not take place on the same day as the presidential election as to do so may unnecessarily and unhelpfully politicise children's rights.