Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the referendum on children's rights, it is clear that the committee's work will not be completed until later this year. The decision has been made that we will deal with it in one aspect, without decoupling the issues. In my view, it will be into 2009 before the referendum takes place. Even if the committee finishes its work in the autumn, to allow for discussions between the parties so that we can come to an agreement and have a successful referendum, it will be into 2009. I have spoken to some of the leaders of the various children's interests groups and they want it to be dealt with as one issue. They are willing to wait until 2009 but we certainly hope it does not go anything beyond that.

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