Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

The main purpose of my question is to seek clarity on the plans and timeline for the children's referendum. There has been considerable confusion in the last couple of weeks about whether the commitment given in mid-February that the referendum would take place in 2012 still remains in place. Did the Minister bring this to the Cabinet to seek confirmation and has the Cabinet agreed that the referendum will take place in 2012? Last week on the Order of Business the Taoiseach refused to commit to holding it in 2012. He stated no broad timeframe had been agreed to by the Government. We need clarity on this issue. The date has been bandied about and commitments were given that were subsequently rolled back on. This is an important referendum that will be key in enshrining the rights of children in the Constitution and ensuring we will have in place a robust system for child protection. Has the Minister brought this issue to the Cabinet and has it agreed on it? I can assure her of our support in the matter.

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