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)