Fianna Fáil will hold a public meeting in Ballinasloe next week to discuss the upcoming Children’s Referendum.
The event will be hosted by Fianna Fáil;s spokesperson on children, Deputy Robert Troy, along with Galway East TD Michael Kitt and other local representatives.
The meeting will take place in Gullane’s Hotel at 8pm on Tuesday October 30.
Deputy Kitt said the meeting is open to anyone who has questions about the referendum.
“I am concerned that the issues involved in this referendum have not been fully explained to people,” Dep Kitt said. “I want to cut through the confusion and explain these issues simply to voters so that they can make an informed and considered decision.
“Fianna Fáil will be delivering leaflets to houses across County Galway explaining in a clear and concise way what this referendum is about and why we are asking people to vote yes. This meeting in Ballinasloe will give people an opportunity to ask questions and to air their views about this referendum.
“A yes vote in this referendum will be a step forward for children’s rights,” he added. “It will ensure that the rights of the child will be explicit in our Constitution. The referendum will also ensure that no child is discriminated against whether they are disadvantaged, or physically or intellectually disabled, when it comes to accessing services of the State.”
Fianna Fáil is among the majority of organisations calling for a yes vote in the referendum.
“This referendum will improve adoption rights for thousands of children in care who currently cannot be adopted due to anomalies in the law,” said Dep Troy. “In Ireland today, there are 6,500 children in care and 2,000 of these have married parents. Under the current legislation, these 2,000 children cannot apply for adoption with their foster families.
“This referendum is an important step, but it is not the only answer. It must be backed up by the necessary resources in terms of social workers and supports for vulnerable children in County Galway and across the country. We can help this to happen by voting yes for children's rights on November 10.”
