Senator Jimmy Harte has said the referendum on children’s rights is a progressive step which will enshrine the protection of children in the Constitution.
He said the passing of the referendum will have a profound impact on the way children are treated in this country – by the state, by our legal profession and by all who work with children.
“This referendum will copper fasten the protection of children in the Constitution. It will ensure we all take a child-centred approach, by making children the focus of every decision that is taken about their welfare. It will mean that when decisions are taken affecting them, their rights would have to be taken into account.
“The wording of the referendum, which has been published today, says that the State recognises and affirms the natural and imprescriptible rights all children and will protect and vindicate those rights.
“It also crucially states that the views of children will be taken into account in legal proceedings. Putting children’s rights specifically into the constitution will mean that in those rare enough cases where children are being abused or neglected within their families, the state can step in more quickly to protect them.
He said childhood is a precious time and children must be protected and their rights promoted to ensure that they are consistently treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
“We have a plethora of reports highlighting the neglect, abuse and exploitation that happens when children’s voices are silenced and their best interests ignored.
“Successive Governments have made promises to strengthen children’s rights in the Constitution. This issue was first raised in the Oireachtas by former Senator, and later President, Mary Robinson over thirty years ago during the 1976 debate on the powers of the Adoption Board. With this in mind, I heartily welcome both the publication of the wording and the setting of the date for this crucial referendum.
“The decision to hold the referendum on a Saturday is extremely pleasing as it will facilitate the likes of students and people who have busy work schedules during the week. Hopefully it will lead to a large turnout on the day which will ultimately give the result greater legitimacy. I look forward to engaging in the upcoming debate and will be campaigning for a yes vote on the streets of Donegal so that the rights of Irish children can be strengthened in our Constitution.”
