Press Release 27 April 2004

Green Party welcomes concerns of Human Rights Commission on constitutionality of citizenship referendum

The Green Party has welcomed the preliminary observations issued by the Human Rights Commission today regarding the proposed citizenship referendum.

Green Party Justice spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD stated that, "The Commission's concerns underline the difficulties associated with rushing the referendum through."

"The issues surrounding citizenship should be examined by the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution. It is crucial that a calm and measured debate takes place on the issue prior to considering constitutional change."

"The human rights of all children within Ireland must be protected

without discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, ethnic

background or other status," concluded Ciarán Cuffe TD.

ENDS