Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Taoiseach rightly noted, the Constitutional Convention has done a considerable amount of work and has made recommendations to the Government on a number of issues. At this point, the Government's intentions with regard to the holding of the various referenda are unclear. The Taoiseach has just indicated that no referendum will be held during 2014 and that the next one might possibly be held in 2015. The window of opportunity for the holding of referenda, where appropriate, in respect of the recommendations made by the convention is narrowing, particularly in the context of the forthcoming general election.

The Constitutional Convention is currently considering its programme of work. Will the convention remain in place and are there other issues which it will be examining? Where stands the Government in respect of this matter? Is it of the view that the convention should continue its work or should it simply close down operations until such time as some of its recommendations have been addressed by way of Government action?

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