Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have two questions for the Taoiseach. Yesterday, the Tánaiste while filling in for the Taoiseach said that, in her opinion, the importance of a referendum on children's rights was such that it should be held on its own. As has been pointed out, the all-party committee did its work well and a wording was agreed. Some €3 million has been allocated to the Minister of State with responsibility for children for the purposes of holding a referendum and that process is in train. In light of the Tánaiste's comment yesterday to the effect that this important referendum should be held on its own, is it intended to hold a referendum on children's rights in the calendar year of 2010?

As pointed out by Deputy Shatter, the body of Daniel McAnaspie was discovered in tragic circumstances. The young lad had been in the care of the State. It seems to be a most unfortunate situation. Where there are major accidents, there are authorities that move in automatically to find out what occurred. In the Taoiseach's judgment, should an independent inquiry be conducted into this case by three persons who have no connections to the HSE and who are appointed by the Minister and should their report be published in full? Does he consider this to be an appropriate course of action to find out what occurred in the case of this young man's murder while in the care of the State?

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