Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The previous Government published legislation on the children's rights referendum. I am not aware of the degree to which this legislation varies from that of the previous Government. This is an urgent issue given all that has happened in more recent times, in particular the past week. We need clarity around what is being proposed. There was an exhaustive process on this issue during the past number of years under the previous Oireachtas. The Taoiseach stated it is hoped to hold that referendum in the autumn. Is that his expected timetable or could it be 2013 before it is held?

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