Prominent children's rights group Barnardos has joined Opposition parties in calling on the Government to give more time to debate their proposed referendum on children's rights.And former Supreme Court judge Catherine McGuinness has echoed these calls, saying that it was better for the Government to get the proposal 'right rather than rushed' before the general election.
At the same time, she added that she didn't want to see it move off 'into the middle distance.'
Fergus Finlay, chief executive of Barnardos expressed concern about holding the referendum on the same day as the general election.
Children's rights would get swamped out by other pressing matters in the middle of an election campaign, and the referendum would be one of the 'least debated' constitutional amendments, he said.
He accepted, however, that it might be 'right and appropriate' for the Government to publish the proposed wording, for the purpose of 'establishing the maximum degree of debate and participation'.
However, he said it the Government should wait until after the election to hold the referendum itself.
The Government is due to publish the wording of the proposed referendum on child protection and children's rights next Monday amid increasing signs that the plebiscite will be delayed until after the election. Both Fine Gael and Labour have sent strong signals that there is not sufficient time to debate the manner.
He said this debate needed to take account of the broader picture of children's lives in Ireland.
Barnardos' policy document on children's rights points out that one in nine children lives in consistent poverty, which includes inadequate nutrition, heating and clothing. Such poorer children have a much higher chance of leaving school early, with severe numeracy and literacy problems.
'We cannot address the issue of child poverty through the Constitution, but neither can we address it if those responsible for health, education, housing and family incomes policies are not fully alive to the rights and needs of children,' Mr Finlay said.
Mrs Justice McGuinness said she welcomed the Government's planned referendum, and said the need for children's rights, independent from their parents, was vital.
Such an idea might be difficult for those in happily married families to understand, but was important for children living in less-privileged settings.
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