Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, that the children’s rights referendum will be held early in the New Year.
“I was very pleased to hear that during his speech to UN member states in Geneva, Minister Shatter confirmed that the much awaited referendum on children’s rights will be held in early 2012. This is a hugely welcome development, and further proof that this Government is committed to strengthening children’s rights where the previous administration failed.
“On its formation, the Government made it clear that the protection of children is a top priority by establishing a dedicated Department of Children and Youth Affairs. In the wake of the Cloyne Report, the Government also committed to putting the Children’sFirst Guidelines on a statutory footing.
“There has been some criticism that this referendum was not held earlier. However, this is an extremely sensitive and complex issue, and getting the wording of a constitutional amendment right is essential. Work on this issue has been ongoing within the Department of Children, under the guidance of Minister Frances Fitzgerald, for a number of months. I am confident that this work will conclude in time for a referendum to be held early next year.
“For too long, it was assumed that it was somebody else’s job to protect and cherish children. By placing the Children’s First Guidelines on a statutory basis we will all be actively involved in providing a safe, nurturing environment in which our children can grow.
“The ancient African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child rings true; it does take a village,and to develop that kind of support we must begin with ourselves. Community,like charity, begins at home. I believe we will all benefit from having our responsibilities in relation to children clearly enshrined in our Constitution.”
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