Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I wish to raise two issues. In the interests of clarity, given that many organisations are anxious to know the Government's intentions with regard to the proposed referendum on children, has a wording been agreed and, if so, when will it be circulated to Members of the Opposition so we can analyse it? Is it the Government's intention to hold the referendum before Easter? The second issue relates to legislation for which the Tánaiste is responsible, that is, the Judicial Council Bill. This has been promised since 2004. Has the retirement request from Judge Brian Curtin been agreed by the Government? When will the legislative framework be provided that will enable such contentious issues in the future to be dealt with in a structured manner?

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