Wexford’s Government Chief Whip Minister Paul Kehoe TD has welcomed the positive result of the Children’s Referendum, saying it will ensure that children are treated differently in the future.

He added that the controversy over the low turnout for the vote is irrelevant and what should be ultimately focused on is the decision that was made.

Minister Kehoe said: “I am delighted that the Children’s Referendum has been passed. Securing a Yes vote will mean that, at long last, we can enshrine children’s rights in our Constitution, ensuring we have a more child-centred system in the future.
“While there will be the inevitable political analysis and discussion about turnout in the coming days, what is important, and what will stand the test of time, is that we have finally made this hugely important change to our Constitution. Almost 20 years after it was first called for, we are now giving children individual rights.
“Constitutional change can have a profound effect; this new children’s article will act as a signpost for judges, lawyers and social workers when they are dealing with cases involving children. Courts will now have to listen to children when making crucial decisions about their future, and the child’s best interests must now be central.

Minister Kehoe added that by voting Yes, adoption in Ireland will be revolutionised.

“By passing this Referendum, we are transforming the future of many children in long term foster care. No longer can children be treated differently in adoption, based on the marital status of their parents. Now, children who have been abandoned by their parents will have the chance to be adopted by the foster parents they consider to be their family,” he said.

For the full story, see this week’s Echo.