Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have already answered most of the questions posed by Deputy Kirk. The Constitutional Convention has made a number of recommendations. The Government indicated that a response would be given to the convention's reports within four months. It also indicated that if it were inclined to accept a recommendation made by the convention, then an indicative timeline would be provided. I have provided such a timeline. The Constitutional Convention is dealing with matters under the heading of "any other business" at present. It may well seek to be allowed to examine a number of other propositions which it considers to be important. Obviously, the Government will give the convention scope in this regard.

I am aware of the comments made by the chairman of the convention with regard to the level of engagement among members of the public with referenda in general. This is an issue which I intend to discuss with him. The convention will also need to reflect on the structure of the ballot papers used in future referenda. The latter is always a cause of concern to people.

In the context of the particular matter to which reference has been made and arising from the recommendation made by the Constitutional Convention - 79% of the members of which strongly support the holding of a referendum - the Minister for Justice and Equality is currently dealing with a range of family law matters which are quite sensitive and which need to be the subject of comprehensive discussion both in this House and at the relevant Oireachtas committees. In addition, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is dealing with the general question of adoption. In the context of the timeline, this and a number of other propositions put forward by the Constitutional Convention will - as the Government considers - be dealt with by mid-2015.

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