Transport
Minister Leo Varadkar has said urged the Catholic hierarchy to express their
views on the forthcoming children’s rights referendum.

Mr Varadkar
is heading the Fine Gael campaign in favour of the children’s rights amendment.

So far,
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin is the only Catholic bishop to express an opinion
about the referendum. He said he believes the amendment strikes the right
balance between parents and the State.

Mr Varadkar
said yesterday: “I would very much welcome the views of the bishops. They’re
entitled to their view and if they want to give their view that of course is
welcome.”

The
referendum is aimed at inserting a new provision into the Constitution called
Article 42A. The present Article 41 which sets out the rights of the family and
of parents, and the present Article 42: 1-4 dealing with the right of parents
to educate their children remain intact.

Previously
Finance Minister Michael Noonan has called on the Churches to support the
referendum.