Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will bring the first matter to the attention of the Minister of the Environment, Community and Local Government directly.

There are four reports to which the Government has not responded. The reason is that the relevant Departments were to consider some of the recommendations made by the Constitutional Convention. I expect that to be concluded shortly. I have already stated in the Dáil that, as previously committed, there will be an opportunity to discuss these recommendations in the House. I regret that it was not possible to meet the timelines set by Government in the first instance with regard to the reports from the Constitutional Convention.

One of the areas mentioned by the Deputy concerns a consultation process on voting rights for the diaspora. The Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora has reflected on the practical consequences of having potentially very serious numbers of people who might be eligible to vote depending on the criteria set down. The Government has not made a decision on how best to consult on these practical arrangements. Reduction of the voting age, blasphemy, women's rights and the role of women in the home are matters which will be responded to in the four reports which have yet to be debated by the Dáil. It is hoped that this will happen in the not too distant future.