Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 4 to 9, inclusive, together.

It is clear at this stage that no further referendum is planned for 2009. As regards referendums after that, the renewed programme for Government envisages a number of potential referendums during the lifetime of the Dáil, subject to appropriate Oireachtas approval, to consider children's rights based on the work of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children; to consider amending article 41.2 of the Constitution to broaden the reference to the role of women in the home to one that recognises the role of the parent in the home; and to consider the establishment of a court of civil appeal. In addition, the renewed programme for Government states that the proposed electoral commission will propose reforms of the electoral system, including outlining new electoral systems for Seanad Éireann. Such proposals could give rise to constitutional amendments.

Regarding the Joint Committee on the Constitution, I have put it on record that neither I nor my Department is solely responsible for the implementation of the recommendations of the joint committee. The committee reports to both Houses of the Oireachtas. The committee has produced reports on various aspects of the Constitution that come under the responsibility of various Ministers and Departments. If there is any particular recommendation of interest to Deputies, they should get in touch with the relevant Minister or a table a parliamentary question.

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