Patrick O’ Donovan Fine Gael TD for Limerick County has welcomed the announcement by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, that the Children’s Referendum will be held on a Saturday. The poll will take place on Saturday 10th November.
“The decision to hold the Children’s Referendum on a Saturday will ensure that the maximum number of people across the country will have the opportunity to have their voices heard. It will be easier for students and workers alike to get to a polling station and make their vote count for what will be one of the most important referenda to be held in the history of the State”.
“This is a referendum that will protect the rights of the most vulnerable group in society; our children. It is appropriate that we do not exclude any group from this democratic process. The decision to hold the referendum on a Saturday will also reduce the disruption to schools on polling day, where normally more than 1,200 schools around the country are required to close to act as polling stations, meaning parents must make alternative childcare arrangements”.
“This Government 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 is also starting its passage through the Oireachtas this week”.