Press Release: Justice 19 February 2007

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Children's rights: not enough time to debate referendum before election – Cuffe

– Proposed wording will not properly enshrine children's rights in the Constitution

The Green Party has said that the Government's proposed wording for a referendum on children's rights will not properly enshrine children's rights in the Constitution and that there is inadequate time for a lengthy and full debate around the issues before the general election.

Green Party Justice spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said: "There are a number of positive elements in this package which I welcome, including allowing for the collection of 'soft information' on those who pose a risk to children, and the creation of offences of absolute or strict liability for offences against children.

"However, from an initial reading the simple fact is that the wording published by the Taoiseach and Minister for Children this afternoon will not provide for explicit rights for children in the Constitution. From the outset, we were promised that this amendment would provide for these rights but it seems that somewhere along the line the Government has diluted this promise. It is also disappointing that the proposed wording has failed to incorporate the language of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"I would echo the concerns raised yesterday by the Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, that we need more time to debate the complicated and contentious issues that this matter raises. It would be wrong to rush to hold this very important referendum prior to the upcoming general election," Deputy Cuffe concluded.