Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

This was the reaction to a somewhat irrelevant comment on a programme.

I wish to raise the issue of the children's rights referendum. Senator Ross spoke here last week about the need to prepare for the European treaty and to have adequate discussion. There was a proposal that the children's rights referendum be held on the same day. I would like to find out if this is the case. Today marks the anniversary of the launch of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Ombudsman for Children is doing a lot of work in this area. Last weekend the General Assembly of the European Youth Parliament was held here in Leinster House. We need adequate preparation and debate if we are to ensure that a provision on children's rights is to be put in the Constitution. There are many fundamental issues that need to be addressed. Perhaps the Leader could let us know whether there will be an opportunity to debate this in the near future.