Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Deputy forgets to mention that for the first time in our history, this Government has appointed a Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with senior Cabinet rank. She is now dealing with the sensitive and very personal issue and I regard this as a signal as to how this Government views our young people and the part they have to play as they accept responsibility in the years ahead. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is now dealing with the question of the children's rights referendum. I am not a constitutional lawyer but given that all the parties agreed on a wording which for whatever reason the previous Attorney General did not agree with, this matter has had to take a step back. I hope we can get to a point where we can have agreement on the wording to be put to the people and that the referendum can be held next year. When I was sitting where Deputy Martin now sits I asked on many occasions as to when the Government intended to hold that referendum. It was promised on umpteen occasions but never got within sight of ballot boxes.

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