A pledge from Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald to hold a referendum on a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of youngsters has been welcomed by one charity.

Ms Fitzgerald told the Dail it is her intention to bring the issue forward as soon as possible in 2012, once the wording of the document has been finalised in a manner that will satisfy all parties.

This commitment was praised by incoming chief executive of the Children's Rights Alliance Tanya Ward, who said it is essential Ireland strengthens its protections to reflect social values and "foster a new attitude to children".

She added there is a clear public appetite for such a move, with the publication of the Cloyne Report reminding people of the need to draw a line in the sand and set out in law that young people have a right to have their voices heard.

"The Alliance looks forward to the New Year and to the publication of a comprehensive and robust wording for an amendment to strengthen children’s rights in the Constitution," Ms Ward concluded.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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