Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I am told that I will receive the report to which Deputy Rabbitte refers in the next two weeks. I have seen a draft of the report and I will publish it as soon as I have it to hand.

Regarding the Deputy's question on a referendum, the Taoiseach has indicated that the Government will propose to deal with the issue of civil partnerships on a sub-constitutional basis because it is his judgment, which I share, that a constitutional referendum on the matter would be divisive and unlikely to succeed.

I have made proposals in respect of the judicial council Bill which are currently being considered by the Chief Justice. I am awaiting his views before proceeding and, as soon as he offers me a clear opinion on alternative methods for dealing with the matter, I will arrange for the legislation to be expedited.

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