Report has potential to change constitutional landscape of children’s rights
Labour Party Spokesperson on Children, Senator Alex White has welcomed the publication today of the Report of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children.
Senator White, who along with Brendan Howlin TD was a Labour nominated member of the Committee said:
“This Report, and the proposal for change which it contains, has the potential to radically alter the constitutional landscape of children’s rights in Ireland.
“For the first time, children will have specified constitutional rights including the right to protection and care, the right to an education and the right to be heard. There is also a provision affirming that the welfare and best interest of the child shall be the first and paramount consideration.
“The Report recommends a change in the threshold of intervention in the family by the State. We believe that such intervention, where necessary, should be proportionate.”
Senator White concluded by pointing to the important body of work represented by the three Reports of the Committee.
“It shows that hard work together with careful and patient analysis can deliver real results.”
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