The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called for a "Yes Vote" in the forthcoming Children's Referendum, saying the amendment would lead to a better child protection and family law system and help ensure that the courts make more "child-centred" decisions. A recent meeting of the Congress Executive Council voiced unanimous support for the call and urged members to Vote Yes on November 10.
Congress Equality Officer David Joyce said that there were five key reasons to vote yes. "For the first time, the Constitution would take a child-centred approach to the protection of all children and allow the State to better support struggling families, rather than wait for a situation to reach crisis point.
"If passed, it will allow up to 2,000 children currently in long-term State care the opportunity to be adopted and given a second chance in a stable and permanent family. In addition, it will base child protection, care, adoption, guardianship, custody and access decisions on what is in the best interests of the child. It will also ensure that judges listen to the views of children when making decisions in child protection, care, adoption, guardianship, custody and access cases.
"Finally, in our view, it will set out how we as a country view and value children and will help foster a culture that actively protects and safeguards them." Mr Joyce said it was important there was a good turnout as it would send a positive signal that children matter and that child law reforms must continue.
"We therefore urge trade union members to turn out and vote yes on November 10."
