Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which the referendum Bill on the constitutional amendment on children will be published. [32514/11]

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 the wording of the proposed referendum will be along the lines of that proposed by the All Party Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children.

Since taking office, both myself and officials of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs have had a number of meetings with the Attorney General and her officials to progress this commitment. Work on the wording of the referendum is ongoing, focusing on ensuring that the proposed Referendum reflects the deliberations and conclusions of the Joint Committee and the commitment in the Programme for Government. It is my intention to seek approval from Government for the proposed wording, with a view to holding the referendum next year.

In accordance with electoral law polling day must take place between 30 and 90 days after the passing of the Bill.