Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

The programme for Government commits the Government to establishing a constitutional convention to consider comprehensive constitutional reform and to report within 12 months of its establishment on the following matters: the review of our Dáil electoral system; reducing the term of office of the President from seven to five years; provision for same sex marriage; to broaden the reference in the Constitution to the role of women in the home to one which recognises the role of the parent in the home; removing blasphemy from the Constitution; the possible reduction of the voting age; and other relevant constitutional amendments that may be recommended by the convention.

Work has commenced on the preparation of detailed proposals for the establishment of the convention and, when ready, these will be considered by Government. They will address matters such as the structure, composition, terms of reference and basis on which the convention will be established. This process will include consideration of likely costs.

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