The Minister of State for Children, Brian Lenihan, is to write to all Opposition leaders and interested groups in the next two days to start the consultation process on Government proposals for a constitutional referendum to protect the rights of children.
A spokesperson for the Minister said last night that the Children's Rights Alliance, which has 80 member organisations and affiliate groups, will be leading the consultation in the non-government sector.
Opposition parties said yesterday they would be happy to discuss with the Government a proposed wording on the proposed constitutional referendum to protect the rights of children announced by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, at the weekend.
It is understood the issues involved in recognising the rights of the child are likely to involve the amendment of more than one article of the Constitution. The constitutional change will be designed to give greater protection to children in the area of abuse, adoption and custody.
The changes will also be aimed at shifting the balance of rights in favour of the child on issues such as the recent court action involving the refusal of parents to allow their child to have a blood transfusion for religious reasons.
Fine Gael justice spokesman Jim O'Keeffe said last night that his party would be "more than happy" to discuss the issue and get involved in consultation with the Government parties. However, he said he was surprised at the manner of the announcement by Mr Ahern last Friday.