Statement by the Ombudsman for Children on the publication of the wording for the children’s rights referendum

Statement by the Ombudsman for Children on the publication of the wording for the children’s rights referendum

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office has been calling for stronger protection for children’s rights in the Irish Constitution since the Office was established almost 8 years ago. Today I am pleased that wording has been published and that a date has been set for the referendum. This represents a significant and positive step forward for children and families in Ireland.

I congratulate the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for bringing this proposal forward. The Ombudsman for Children’s Office has provided advice on constitutional change to Ministers of Government and to the Oireachtas on four separate occasions since its first year of operation. The central message of these submissions has been the same: Ireland should enshrine key children’s rights principles in the Constitution in order to underpin a fundamental shift in our law, policy and practice regarding children.

I am mandated, under Section 7(1)(d)of the Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002, to promote awareness among members of the public of children’s rights and welfare and how these rights can be enforced and I will continue to carry out these functions over the coming weeks.

• 19 Meán Fomhair 2012
• Cineál: Ráiteas