Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The issue of children's rights is real and sensitive and there are arguments on both sides. The Government has decided to hold a referendum on children's rights. The newly appointed Attorney General will consider the decision of her predecessor and advise the Government on the wording.

The children's rights groups I met had very serious views and were disappointed about the changed wording brought in by the previous Attorney General. They made the point this wording will not do the job required in respect of children and their rights. I am sure every Member will want to do what is in the best interests of children and at the same time have a correct constitutional balance. Deputy Martin can take it that the Minister for Children and the Attorney General will look at this as a matter of priority and will take into account a continued interaction with the children's rights groups.

Whether the referendum will be held on the same date as the presidential election is a matter to be considered. I do not have a hard and fast view on that but I take the Deputy's point about the importance of both, and whether the people should be asked to decide these questions on separate days. The Government has not made a decision on this but the children's groups are of the belief it would be possible to hold a children's referendum on the same date as the presidential election.

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