Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will confirm that the referendum on children's rights will be a stand alone referendum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23973/12]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which she will hold the referendum on children's rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23960/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 130 together.

The Referendum on Children's Rights is a Programme for Government priority. The Government is satisfied that the nature of this referendum is such that it will be conducted on a stand alone basis to support fullest debate and engagement by the public on the issue in the bests interests of children.

A draft wording of the proposed Constitutional amendment is being prepared by the Office of the Attorney General in co-operation with my Department and is focused on ensuring that this reflects the deliberations and conclusions of the Joint Committee on Children and the Constitution and the commitment given in the Programme for Government.

The precise timing of the Referendum on children's rights during 2012 will be determined in light of progress on the ongoing preparatory work and, as I have previously stated, it is the intention that the referendum will be held this year.