We must now move on the children’s referendum [sbpost.ie]
- Published: 24 July 2011
Truly putting children first means guaranteeing their rights as individuals in the Constitution, writes Mary O’Rourke
I would like to follow on from the fine piece in last Sunday’s Sunday Business Post entitled ‘Putting our Children First’.
Geoffrey Shannon is the government’s special rapporteur on child protection. Indeed, the government is fortunate in retaining Shannon in that important role, as was the previous government in having him there in the first place. Our committee, the All-Party Committee for the Constitutional Amendment on Children, was also fortunate to avail of his services as we deliberated on our wording.
The events at Cloyne have highlighted for all of us once more how precarious and precious the state of childhood in Ireland is, and the ongoing effort by all governments to rectify matters. Every few years the reports of various dioceses come out, and every few years the picture gets blacker.#
Full Story: www.sbpost.ie
Three new schools pledged by next year [herald.ie]
- Published: 23 July 2011
DUBLIN is to get three new primary schools next year.
The Department of Education and Skills has invited applications for schools in Ballinteer, Stepaside, Tallaght and Kildare.
Educate Together's Head of Education and Network Development Emer Nowlan said it was "great news" for parents.
"The forum on Patronage and Pluralism is highlighting the need for different school types to be established in all areas of the country," she said.
"For parents in these areas, there is now the possibility that they may be able to choose the type of school they want for their children -- for some as early as next September."
Full Story: www.herald.ie
Orders have 'moral responsibility' over abuse costs [IrishTimes]
- Published: 23 July 2011
THE GOVERNMENT is “fully satisfied that it is entirely right and proper” that religious congregations pay half the costs of compensation to those abused in residential institutions for children.
Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn yesterday met 14 of 18 religious congregations who managed the reformatories, industrial schools and orphanages and who were investigated by the Ryan commission. “Putting it bluntly, I believe that there is a moral responsibility on your congregations to significantly augment your contributions,” he said.
To date, costs incurred by the State as a result of the abuse of children in the institutions are estimated at €1.36 billion. The Government is seeking a contribution of €680 million (50 per cent) towards this from the congregations. They have offered €374.5 million. Mr Quinn suggested in recent months that they make up the shortfall by signing over property to the State.
“Quite simply, this issue will not go away,” he told them yesterday in a statement to the meeting. “I believe the public supports the 50-50 approach and will not see the issue closed until that is delivered . . . I urge you therefore to reflect on these points and to revert to me at the earliest opportunity with your response. Less there be any ambiguity, I am calling on you to significantly increase the cash offers that you have already made.”
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Quinn meeting boycotted by 'demonised' religious order [Independent.ie]
- Published: 23 July 2011
ONE of the largest religious orders criticised in the Ryan report boycotted a meeting with Education Minister Ruairi Quinn yesterday, saying it has been "misrepresented and demonised".
The Sisters of Mercy said it had twice sought a private meeting with Mr Quinn and was not prepared to take part in a joint meeting with the other religious congregations.
In a statement released yesterday, the sisters delivered a ultimatum to Mr Quinn, saying that if he did not accept a portfolio of properties offered by it as a contribution to the €1.3bn compensation bill, then they would dispose of them elsewhere.
They said five of the properties would be offered to various local authorities, while two others would be sold and the proceeds given to the new national children's hospital.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Child protection 'must be top priority' [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 22 July 2011
The Minister for Children has stated that legislation reforms to strengthen the country's child protection services must ensure the welfare of young people is the number one priority.
Speaking in the Dail this week as part of the government's response to the Clyne report into the Vatican's role in child protection, Frances Fitzgerald said changes must be made, the Irish Times reports.
"Never again should someone be allowed to place the protection of the institution or organisation above the protection of children," she stated.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
