Presidential candidates called for the planned referendum on children’s rights to be held soon during a debate organised by the charity Barnardos and hosted by broadcaster Olivia O’Leary in Dublin today.
Independent candidate David Norris pointed out the presidential election was taking place on the same day as two referendums, one on judges pay and the other on new powers for parliamentary committees.
“But where is the referendum on children’s rights? I here today call on the Government to have the referendum to give us that central position in our Constitution for children, which we deserve,” he said.
Fine Gael candidate Gay Mitchell said he had spoken to party colleague and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald, who had told him the referendum would take place next year. Mr Mitchell said he understood Cabinet had discussed the draft wording for the referendum.
He said parents were the strongest advocates for the nation’s children, and pledged to hold regular forums to “give voice” to parents and to “champion their concerns and aspirations for their children”.
Independent candidate Mary Davis said the referendum was long overdue. Generations of Irish policymakers, with a small number of honourable exceptions, had turned a blind eye to the abuse of children. Thousands of lives had been damaged as a result, she said. “We in Ireland have a great deal of ground to make up.”
Labour Party candidate Michael D Higgins called on young people to be active in “eliminating the scourge of homophobia from the schoolyard”.
Mr Higgins said “powerful forces” which had opposed much of the “reforming legislation” he had been involved in still existed. “They haven’t gone away,” he said.
Sinn Féin candidate Martin McGuinness said he had listened to children when, as Minister for Education in the Northern Executive, he “took the decision to abolish the 11-plus, one of the most unequal examinations the island of Ireland has ever seen”.
Sean Gallagher, Independent candidate, made a commitment to visit every secondary school and speak to every student if elected president.
Independent candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon had given advance warning that she was unable to attend because of a previous commitment.
