KENNY WELCOMES REFERENDUM ON RIGHTS OF CHILDREN

Posted on September 19, 2012 4:54 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Seán Kenny, the Labour TD for Dublin Bay North and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, has welcomed the referendum on children's rights, hailing it as a progressive step which will ensure the protection of children in the constitution.

"Should this referendum pass, and I very much hope that it does, it will have a profoundly positive impact on the way children are treated in this country. The simple reality of Irish history is that the Irish state has consistently failed children - we all know the awful legacy of child abuse and the neglect of children in care. This referendum will copper fasten the protection of children in the constitution. It will ensure we all take a child-centred approach, by making children the focus of every decision that is taken about their welfare. It will mean that when decisions are taken affecting them, their rights would have to be taken into account."

"The wording of the referendum, which has been published today, says that the State recognises and affirms the natural and imprescriptible rights all children and will protect and vindicate those rights. It also crucially states that the views of children will be taken into account in legal proceedings. Putting children's rights specifically into the constitution will mean that in those rare enough cases where children are being abused or neglected within their families, the state can step in more quickly to protect them."

"I also welcome the decision to hold the referendum on a Saturday. This will ensure students and people who have busy work schedules during the week will be able to have their say. I look forward to engaging in the upcoming debate and will be campaigning for a yes vote throughout Dublin Bay North to protect and give additional rights to children in Ireland."