The Supreme Court has unanimously rejected an appeal to overturn the result of the Children’s Referendum.

The seven-judge panel rejected the petition by Dublin woman Joanna Jordan, who had argued that the Government’s use of taxpayer’s money to fund an "unbalanced" campaign of information "materially affected" the referendum’s result.

In its judgement, 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 2012 vote.

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

Fergus Finlay, Barnardos’ CEO, said: "The insertion of Article 42A into the Constitution of Ireland means the State will now recognise children aren’t ‘mini people’ with ‘mini rights’ but full members of society with rights all their own.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that today marks a new beginning for Ireland’s children. They are no longer unseen and unheard in our Constitution. They are now placed exactly where they belong: in the very heart of our law and our society.

"We look forward to seeing the real impact of this historic amendment in the coming months and years: improved support and protection for children in our laws and policies, and young people who feel truly valued members of the Irish society."

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald also welcomed the Supreme Court's decision.

She said that the Children's Referendum was a key element of the Government's programme of reform designed to better protect Ireland's children.