Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she will hold a referendum to amend the family articles in the Constitution and propose new provisions in respect of children's rights. [17240/07]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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On 3 November, 2006, the Taoiseach proposed a referendum on the place of children in our Constitution and requested the then Minister for Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to initiate a process of consultation and discussion with the Dáil parties and all relevant interest groups in this regard.

The Minister engaged in a series of discussions with political party representatives, the Ombudsman for Children, non-governmental organisations (represented by the Children's Rights Alliance) and faith-based groups. The purpose of the consultation was to achieve consensus on an appropriate wording for an amendment to the Constitution which would reflect the need to establish robust safeguards and protections for children.

On the direction of the Government, proposals were brought to cabinet by the Minister on a referendum to amend the Constitution in respect of Children's Rights and the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the Constitution Bill, 2007 was published on 19 February 2007.

In line with the Programme for Government, it is proposed to establish an all-party Committee to examine the proposed constitutional amendment with a view to further deepening consensus on this matter. It is envisaged that the published Bill will provide a framework for the work of the Committee.