merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said:

I welcome the positive result of the Children referendum. It is a historic day for the children of Ireland as it is the first time the Constitution of this Republic will recognise them as citizens in their own right.

I thank the Irish people for exercising their democratic right to vote and I would also like to thank the various organisations that campaigned for a Yes vote.

This Government has a deep commitment to families and children. The passing of this amendment will help make childhood a good, secure and loving space for all our children. It will also give hope, reassurance and confidence to parents, foster parents and vulnerable children.

The Government will now move forward with the implementation of the decision of the people.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore added:

I welcome the Yes vote for the Children Referendum today.

I would like to thank all of those who came out yesterday and exercised their right to vote so that for the first time our Constitution will contain an explicit statement of children's rights. I would also like to thank our campaign team, and in particular our Director of Elections, Kathleen Lynch.

This is a historic referendum. The decision by the People to insert a dedicated Article into the Constitution to protect the rights of children draws a line in the sand against the litany of past failures. Up to now the failure of those in positions of power to protect children has been a blight on our nation's history.

Today's result is a vindication of the values that we hold and how much we value children and childhood.

By voting Yes to this referendum the people of Ireland have had a direct input into shaping our Constitution and how we, as a State, recognise children.

The Constitution belongs to the People and it is up to them to decide the values and protections to be contained within it.

Today, the People made a strong and unequivocal statement on the values they attach to children and childhood.

From now on, children will be recognised in their own right in the eyes of the law.

It will mean that children will have a say on their future care.

It will mean that the Courts will listen to the child's point of view and will have to consider their best interests.

It will mean that all children will be treated equally in adoption cases, whatever the martial status of their parents.

These are positive and tangible changes which will result in children being seen and heard.

As a direct result of today's result, child protection in this country will be strengthened.

The Children Referendum, along with a number of other measures which the government is taking, will ensure the safety and welfare of children at risk is a ongoing priority.

The permanency, certainty and clarity provided by the Yes vote to Constitutional change through this amendment will, I believe, make a real difference to the children of this country.