John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Health when she expects the referendum on children's rights to occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17751/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government 2011 states that the referendum on Children's Rights is a priority, and that wording will be along the lines of that proposed by the All Party Oireachtas Committee. On taking office, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs commenced discussions with the Attorney General, with a view to preparing a draft wording which will more closely reflect the work of the Committee, than that which the previous Government approved in draft form.

When these discussions have been concluded, I intend to bring the matter to Government for approval to draft a bill and hold a Referendum. The Taoiseach has already stated that the Referendum will not take place on the same day as the presidential election, in view of the concern that to do so might unnecessarily and unhelpfully politicise children's rights, and that a separate referendum is more appropriate for this important and sensitive issue.