Thursday, 8 May 2014: For immediate release

The Children’s Rights Alliance wishes to warmly acknowledge the excellent work carried out by Minister Frances Fitzgerald, TD, during her three-year tenure as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Fitzgerald was appointed in March 2011 as Ireland’s first, full Cabinet Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, heading up a brand new Department.

Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Alliance, says:

“Minister Fitzgerald’s landmark achievements will undoubtedly have a long lasting impact for children in Ireland. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was leading the Children’s Rights Referendum in November 2012. Critical to her success has been the establishment of the Child and Family Agency in January 2014 and the closure of St Patrick’s Institution for young offenders. We commend Minister Fitzgerald for steering this important brief for children.

We congratulate Fitzgerald on her new position as Minister for Justice and Equality. We believe that she is very well placed to continue to build on the reforming work of Minister Alan Shatter. Central to this is the Children and Family Relationships Bill, legislation on victims, and immigration/refugee law reform.

We would like to warmly welcome the appointment of Charlie Flanagan, TD, as the new Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Minister Flanagan has a strong track record as a vocal advocate for children as the former Front Bench Spokesperson on Children. We look forward to working with Minister Flanagan on delivering key commitments to children contained in the Programme for Government.”

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For further information and interview bids, please contact:
Emma McKinley, Legal and Policy Officer
Tel: (01) 662 9400 / 087 7702845
Email: emma@childrensrights.ie