07/02/2008
Ombudsman's Concern At Limited Children's Referendum
The Ombudsman for Children has said she is opposed to holding a limited referendum dealing only with child protection, which may run on the same day as the Lisbon Treaty referendum.
Emily Logan said she did not support the calls to hold two separate referendums on children's rights and child protection.
She said: "As the person with statutory responsibility for promoting children’s rights and welfare in Ireland, I have serious concerns about the growing political pressure for an early but limited referendum dealing only with the issue of child protection."
Some Ministers have called for an early, limited referendum to allow the Oireachtas to enact criminal legislation to protect children from sexual predators.
In addition, they hope turnout for the reform treaty referendum would be boosted by holding the vote on child protection on the same day.
But, Ms Logan has voiced her concerns saying the issue of children's rights is much broader and isolating part of the proposed referendum could mean other rights are put on the back-burner.
"I do not support any proposal to hold a limited referendum. If the Joint Committee requires more time to deal with all of the pertinent issues I would support the extension of its work.
"The Government has made a commitment to the holding of a referendum dealing with children’s rights including child protection," Ms Logan said.
She has written to the Taoiseach outlining her concerns which she will present to the committee next week.
(VB)
Emily Logan said she did not support the calls to hold two separate referendums on children's rights and child protection.
She said: "As the person with statutory responsibility for promoting children’s rights and welfare in Ireland, I have serious concerns about the growing political pressure for an early but limited referendum dealing only with the issue of child protection."
Some Ministers have called for an early, limited referendum to allow the Oireachtas to enact criminal legislation to protect children from sexual predators.
In addition, they hope turnout for the reform treaty referendum would be boosted by holding the vote on child protection on the same day.
But, Ms Logan has voiced her concerns saying the issue of children's rights is much broader and isolating part of the proposed referendum could mean other rights are put on the back-burner.
"I do not support any proposal to hold a limited referendum. If the Joint Committee requires more time to deal with all of the pertinent issues I would support the extension of its work.
"The Government has made a commitment to the holding of a referendum dealing with children’s rights including child protection," Ms Logan said.
She has written to the Taoiseach outlining her concerns which she will present to the committee next week.
(VB)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 June 2013
Seanad Abolition Bill Published
Details of the governments proposal to abolish the Seanad have been published. 40 amendments, which will remove all references to the upper house, to the Constitution are included in the new the 32nd Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill.
Seanad Abolition Bill Published
Details of the governments proposal to abolish the Seanad have been published. 40 amendments, which will remove all references to the upper house, to the Constitution are included in the new the 32nd Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill.
15 January 2015
Sinn Féin Accuse Govt Of 'Complete Failure To Deliver Political Reform'
Sinn Féin has accused the government of a "complete failure to deliver political reform" following an announcement that plans for a referendum on lowering the voting age have been abandoned. Chris Andrews from Sinn Féin said that government's "climb down" was completely unacceptable.
Sinn Féin Accuse Govt Of 'Complete Failure To Deliver Political Reform'
Sinn Féin has accused the government of a "complete failure to deliver political reform" following an announcement that plans for a referendum on lowering the voting age have been abandoned. Chris Andrews from Sinn Féin said that government's "climb down" was completely unacceptable.
25 January 2013
€2.1m Loses Recorded For Electric Picnic
Music festival Electric Picnic (EP) suffered a combined lose of €2.1m in 2011 and 2012. Despite this assurances have been made that this years event, marking the festivals 10-year anniversary, will go ahead. Concerns were raised in December when the traditional discounted “early-bird” tickets did not go on sale.
€2.1m Loses Recorded For Electric Picnic
Music festival Electric Picnic (EP) suffered a combined lose of €2.1m in 2011 and 2012. Despite this assurances have been made that this years event, marking the festivals 10-year anniversary, will go ahead. Concerns were raised in December when the traditional discounted “early-bird” tickets did not go on sale.
11 May 2015
SF Supports Marriage Equality Referendum
Sinn Féin is calling for a 'Yes' vote in the Marriage Equality referendum. MEP Liadh Ní Riada said the referendum is about equality. She said: "At its core it is about ensuring all people, and all couples, have access to equal rights, dignity and respect.
SF Supports Marriage Equality Referendum
Sinn Féin is calling for a 'Yes' vote in the Marriage Equality referendum. MEP Liadh Ní Riada said the referendum is about equality. She said: "At its core it is about ensuring all people, and all couples, have access to equal rights, dignity and respect.
17 February 2012
McConalogue Welcomes Stand-Alone Children’s Referendum
Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on Children has welcomed a commitment by the Government for a stand-alone Referendum on Children’s Rights to be held this year. TD Charlie McConalogue said it was a relief that Minister Fitzgerald had made a clear commitment there will be a stand-alone Referendum on Children’s Rights in 2012.
McConalogue Welcomes Stand-Alone Children’s Referendum
Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on Children has welcomed a commitment by the Government for a stand-alone Referendum on Children’s Rights to be held this year. TD Charlie McConalogue said it was a relief that Minister Fitzgerald had made a clear commitment there will be a stand-alone Referendum on Children’s Rights in 2012.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.