The Government has announced that it has set aside €3 million to hold a Children’s Rights Referendum next year. 

Minister for Children Barry Andrews announced the planned expenditure in the wake of last week’s budget. 

The Department of Health and Children has said the money will go towards paying for the cost of the referendum itself rather than to push for a yes vote. 

As a result of the 1995 McKenna Supreme Court judgement, it is unconstitutional for the Government to use public money to seek to procure a particular result in a referendum. 

The referendum has been stalled after a breakdown in agreement between groups, parties and the State over the wording and the extent to which it will protect children. 

An Oireachtas Committee is scheduled to complete its work on the referendum wording this week, after which a report will be sent to government. 

Children’s rights groups, such as the ISPCC and the Children’s Rights Alliance welcomed the funds for the referendum.