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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Children First and children’s rights legislation

Summary

Mattie McGrath asks about Children First, the children’s referendum and its court appeal. The Taoiseach and Chair say the courts must determine the appeal and provide no commencement date.

I am delighted the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is here because I want to ask about the Children First guidelines. I also want to ask about the children's referendum that was passed. There was a High Court challenge and there is now an appeal going to the Supreme Court for a stay on the referendum decision. I would like to know where the Minister intends going now. There was no debate in the House on the money that was misappropriated.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

What is the Deputy talking about?

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I am talking about Children First and the children's rights Bill.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Deputy McGrath is aware that the High Court dismissed the petition. I do not have any further comment to make on it at this time.

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I am aware of that and I was actually there, but there is now an appeal to the Supreme Court.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Then we have to leave it to them.

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I am asking when the commencement date is and where is it going to go.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

We do not know about the appeal. We do not control the courts.

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