RCNI Press Release 27 April 2007
Politicians’ ‘commitment’ to a child protection referendum is meaningless without a commitment to a declared deadline.
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today responded to the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell’s stated commitment to a child protection referendum following the Central Statistic’s Office’s evidence that there has been a collapse in the reporting of sexual violence, by demanding that that commitment be made meaningful by giving the electorate a commitment to a deadline.
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘while we welcome Minister McDowell’s declared commitment to holding a child protection referendum it is clear to us that without a deadline this proposed referendum has the potential to stay on the long finger. The need for this referendum has always been urgent. It remains so. It is reasonable to ask of our political candidates and parties to make their declared support meaningful by committing to a deadline. The RCNI call for a public promise from all candidates and political parties, to hold this referendum before Christmas 2007.
Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447
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Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘while we welcome Minister McDowell’s declared commitment to holding a child protection referendum it is clear to us that without a deadline this proposed referendum has the potential to stay on the long finger. The need for this referendum has always been urgent. It remains so. It is reasonable to ask of our political candidates and parties to make their declared support meaningful by committing to a deadline. The RCNI call for a public promise from all candidates and political parties, to hold this referendum before Christmas 2007.
Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447
……………..End…………………