THE TAOISEACH has refused to say if the Government would hold a referendum on children’s rights.

Brian Cowen said yesterday that the programme for government set out the Government’s objective in that area.

“The question as to how and in what way we would proceed is a matter for detailed discussions by the Government,” he added.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the Government was in control of what it decided to implement in respect of the programme for government.

“The all-party Oireachtas committee did its work well,” he added. “As head of the Government, the Taoiseach has given a specific commitment on the holding of a referendum on children’s rights.”

Mr Kenny said that the holding of a referendum could not be denied by a global recession.

He added that he wanted to hear Mr Cowen “tell the people that at this sensitive time the Government will honour its words and a hold a referendum on children’s rights”.

Mr Cowen said the rights of children and the family were interacting considerations and the fundamental laws of the State protected the rights of children.

Mr Kenny said that the Taoiseach had negotiated the programme for government with the Green Party leader.

He added: “The Taoiseach’s party members will comply with his wishes; the Green Party members will comply with their leader’s wishes. All at Cabinet, therefore, are in agreement with the objective to have a referendum on children’s rights.

“When,” he asked, “does the Taoiseach propose to implement it? Can I have a guarantee that it will be implemented?”

Mr Cowen insisted that he had explained to Mr Kenny that it was an important process.

Padraic McCormack (Fine Gael, Galway West) claimed that the Taoiseach had not explained it very clearly.

Mr Cowen said the detail of bringing forward such a proposal was the responsibility of Minister of State for Children Barry Andrews.

“It would be discussed at Cabinet which would then be in a position to make a decision and promulgate it,” he added.