Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

A great deal of good work was done by an all-party Oireachtas committee on a proposed wording for a children's right referendum. The previous Attorney General gave a view on that and a different form of wording was produced. The children's rights advocacy groups were somewhat upset about this when I met with them before the election. They were of the opinion - without being definite about a referendum - that it might be possible to arrive at an agreed position whereby a referendum on children's rights could be held, presumably on the same day as a presidential election which will happen some time in November. That is not definite and the Minister for Children is looking at the advice given by the previous Attorney General in respect of the wording for what is a sensitive and serious issue. There was no commitment to hold a specific referendum on the date of a presidential election, but it is a matter that can be considered. If there is a referendum there will also have to be a Bill giving effect to it, which would impact on the legislative programme as published at 4 p.m.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill deals with changes in the budget for 2011, PRSI issues and some pension changes. If the Deputy requires further details I will have them supplied to him.

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