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 Ahern wants referendum on childrenFriday, 3 November 2006 22:03 The Taoiseach has called for a referendum to put the rights of children at the centre of the Constitution. Mr Ahern said he wanted to see constitutional protection from maltreatment, neglect or abuse for children. He also wants a specific provision requiring that the welfare of the child should be the paramount consideration. AdvertisementSpeaking to Fianna Fáil Dáil candidates in advance of the party's Ard Fhéis tomorrow, Mr Ahern said he was seeking all-party consensus on the wording of an appropriate constitutional amendment. He said he had asked the Minister of State for Children, Brian Lenihan, to consult and discuss with the other Dáil parties and all relevant interest groups in the coming week. Mr Ahern said that by studying international comparisons and considering the reflections of various committees in the State, the Constitution can be developed and amended to enshrine the highest possible standards of protection for children. He said the provisions should be as strong and as effective as those of any other country in the world. Audio & Video Nine News: Sinead Crowley reports on the recent calls for protection for children within the framework of the Constitution Nine News: David Davin-Power, Political Correspondent, reports on the call by the Taoiseach on the eve of the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis for a vote to put children's rights at the centre of the Constitution Six One News: David Davin-Power, Political Correspondent, reports on the call by the Taoiseach on the eve of the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis for a vote to put children's rights at the centre of the Constitution Story from RTÉ News Ahern ready to shelve referendum on childrenTuesday, 6 February 2007 19:01 The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that he is prepared to shelve the proposed referendum on child protection until after the Election if he cannot get all-party support. The Cabinet today agreed the terms of the poll and the Minister of State with responsibility for Children, Brian Lenihan, is consulting with the parties. This evening a Government spokeswoman said that the precise wording of the referendum was still being worked on and that the issue would return to Cabinet next week when the proposal would be published. AdvertisementIn the meantime Mr Lenihan is to continue consultations with the opposition parties. Pressed on the referendum in the Dáil by Pat Rabbitte, Bertie Ahern said that the issue of child protection would have to be dealt with in 2007, but if broad agreement was not forthcoming he would leave it over until after the Election. He told the Labour leader that he personally did not favour having the poll alongside the General Election, but he would be prepared to have it in April or May or the same day as the Election if that was the compromise. This prompted Mr Rabbitte to observe that if nothing else the opposition had elicited the date on which the country would be voting this summer. Story from RTÉ News |
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