Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.

The renewed programme for Government envisages the following potential referenda during the lifetime of the present Dáil, subject, of course, 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 which recognises the role of the parent in the home; and to consider the establishment of a Court of Civil Appeal.

The renewed programme for Government states the proposed electoral commission will propose reforms to the electoral system, including outlining new electoral systems for Seanad Éireann, and proposals for which could give rise to constitutional amendments. Work is progressing on these matters, to give effect to the commitments in the renewed programme for Government.

As regards the Joint Committee on the Constitution, I have put it on the record before that neither I, nor my Department, are solely responsible for the implementation of recommendations in the reports of the joint committee. It would be a matter for the relevant Ministers to consider any recommendations emanating from these reports and to bring forward proposals to respond to them, as appropriate. To date, the joint committee has not brought forward any recommendations relevant to my Department.

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