Monday, 19 February, 2007, the Government released its wording for the proposed referendum on children's rights.
1. An acknowledgement by the State of the natural and imprescriptible rights of all children.
2. Restatement of the existing protection of children and parents contained in the current Article 42.5 and the extension of this provision to all children.
3. Legal authority for the adoption of children who have been in care for a substantial period of time if it is in the best interests of those children.
4. Ensuring that all children are eligible for voluntary adoption.
5. Legal authority to secure the best interests of children in any court proceedings relating to adoption, guardianship, custody or access.
6. Legal authority for the collection and exchange of information relating to the risk or actual occurrence of child sexual abuse.
7. Legal authority to create offences of absolute or strict liability in respect of offences against or in connection with children.
More information about this proposed referendum is available at the Office of the Minister for Children website.
