FF Deputy Robert Troy

Fianna Fáil is to hold a public meeting in Meath this evening (Thursday) on the upcoming Children's Referendum. The party's Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy TD will host the meeting at the Old Darnley Lodge, Athboy, from 8pm.

Deputy Troy said: "This referendum is an extremely important moment for Ireland and the future of our children. The proposed changes will strengthen the rights of children, will ensure the voice of the child is heard in key proceedings regarding their care and wellbeing and offers a unique opportunity to begin a cultural change in Ireland on the care and welfare of all children.

"The Irish people do not lightly vote to change the Constitution and we will be working in the weeks ahead to inform the public as to why we believe this change is right for our children and right the country. Tonight's meeting in Athboy is important and I look forward to meeting people and engaging in the debt.

"I am concerned that the issues involved in this referendum have not been fully explained to people. I want to cut through the confusion and explain these issues simply to voters in Meath so that they can make an informed and considered decision.

"In the coming weeks Fianna Fáil will be delivering leaflets to houses across Meath, explaining in a clear and concise way what this referendum is about and why we are asking people to vote 'Yes'"

East Meath Fianna Fáil will host a public meeting on the issue of 'Protecting Children's Welfare' on Thursday 1st November in the Village Hotel, Bettystown at 8pm. Stephen McKee, secretary of the local Donacarney/Mornington Fianna Fáil Cumann, explained: "Fianna Fáil are undertaking a nationwide campaign to explain the Children's Referendum proposal in advance of it being put to the people on November 10th next.

"Locally in East Meath, we are hosting a special public meeting with guest speaker, Robert Troy TD, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on children. The meeting is supported by our public representatives in the East Meath area, Seamus Kirk TD, Senator Thomas Byrne and Councillor Wayne Harding."

"Apart from the Children's Referendum, this is also an opportunity for the party to listen to the public's views on issues such as child benefit, which directly affects children and their families and which have already been the subject of much debate as we approach December's budget," continued Mr McKee.