“I am delighted to get confirmation from the Taoiseach that the Children’s Referendum is to be held on November 10^th. It is a positive and a progressive move for the Government to hold the Referendum on a Saturday; a move that I have been advocating in recent months.

“This Children’s Referendum is long overdue. In many ways it is hard to believe that we have gone so long without enshrining children ’s rights in the Constitution. Passing the Referendum will have a profound impact on the way children are treated in this country; by the State, by our legal profession and by all who work with children. It will ensure we all take a child-centred approach, by making children the focus of every decision that is taken about their welfare.

“We now have a sufficient period of time to fully debate the issues surrounding the Children’s Referendum. I would encourage politicians of all persuasions and members of the public to read the wording when it is published in the coming days. This is a very important step for this country, and I will be strongly encouraging all of my constituents to endorse it.”