Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

The previous Government did not come up with legislation based on the all-party committee's wording but with a different formula. Apparently, this was based on the concerns of the former Attorney General. That wording was not circulated formally but discussed informally with several non-governmental organisations, NGOs.

The Government's priority and intention is to ensure the wording will be along the lines of that proposed by the Joint Committee on the Constitution. The former Attorney General was concerned this wording could have unintended consequences for the State's financial obligations in this area and that they could be considered excessive. I have asked the Attorney General to re-examine the wording and these concerns, as well as those of various Departments.

The Government is determined to bring forward legislation for a referendum which will reflect the all-party consensus at the committee on the Constitution. The wording to be presented will be along the lines of that proposed by the committee.

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