Fine Gael TD for Limerick County Patrick O’ Donovan has been appointed Director of Elections for the Children’s Referendum for the Mid West Region of the country.
The Fine Gael TD was appointed to the position by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D., which will see him oversee the Government’s campaign for the Limerick County, Limerick City, Clare and Tipperary North constituencies.
Deputy O’ Donovan said that the Children’s Referendum – to be held on Saturday 10th November – “will protect the rights of the most vulnerable group in society; our children. It is based on protecting children, supporting families, removing inequalities in adoption and recognising children in their own right”.
“For children at risk, it will ensure that they are protected from harm. It will allow for children to be adopted, irrespective of his or her birth status, and it will also provide that the rights and protections enjoyed by children are to be enjoyed by all, irrespective of their parent’s marital status”.
“I look forward to the campaign ahead as this Government like myself is determined to place children at the centre of all decisions taken in relation to their welfare. The Children’s Referendum will complement the range of child protection measures already being taken by the Government, including putting Children First guidelines on a statutory footing, reforming our child protection services and enacting the Criminal Justice (Withholding Information) Bill. The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012 has also started its passage through the Oireachtas this week”.