The Justice Minister says she's delighted by the Supreme Court's decision to reject an appeal which sought to overturn the Children's Referendum result.

Frances Fitzgerald - who was Children's Minister at the time of the 2012 vote - says the unanimous decision of the seven judge panel will see children recognised by the Constitution as individual rights holders - who will be protected regardless of their family make up.

Children's rights campaigners have also welcomed the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling - which rejected claims that the Government's 1-point-1 million euro information campaign materially influenced the outcome.

Independent Senator Jillian van Turnhout says it's a new era for children's rights:

The petition was started by Joanna Jordan of Glenageary Road Upper, Dun Laoghaire in Co Dublin.

She had argued that the use of taxpayers money by government to fund an 'unbalanced' campaign of information 'materially affected' the result of the referendum.

The was passed by a majority of 58% to 42% back in 2012.

In its judgment, the court decided that Ms Jordan did not establish that it was reasonably possible that the actions of the government materially affected the outcome of the vote.

The Children's Rights Alliance has welcomed the decision, and says it marks the start of a 'new era' for children's rights.

The Children's Minister James Reilly has also welcomed the move, saying: "On behalf of this government, I am firmly committed to pursuing this extensive reform agenda, and this decision enables us to continue the work of ensuring that we provide the best possible environment for children and young people to grow up in".

But Ms Jordan says the matter may be taken to the European courts.