Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

All I did was to ask the Tánaiste when the briefing will be provided and to what extent information will be provided to Members. I will ask a question that is in order but I hope the Minister for Transport will come before the House.

The programme for Government clearly indicates that a constitutional referendum on children's rights will be held. If absolute liability in cases of statutory rape is to be restored to the Statute Book, a constitutional referendum will be required. This matter is not mentioned in any of the legislative lists with which we have been provided. Do I take it that the referendum on children's rights will proceed and that legislation relating to this matter will be published or has the Government abandoned its solemn commitment to hold such a referendum? The Tánaiste will be aware of comments made by the Director of Public Prosecutions to the effect that cases cannot be taken in the absence of a constitutional referendum.

A solemn commitment was given in the programme for Government and this was repeated on many occasions by Deputy Bertie Ahern when he served as Taoiseach. Will the Tánaiste respond on behalf of the Government and clarify, once and for all, whether it is intended to honour the commitment to which I refer and whether legislation relating to a constitutional referendum on absolute liability in cases of statutory rape will be published?

See this speech in context