Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

My view - I need to talk to Deputy Martin and others about it - is that we need to reflect seriously on whether we can hold a referendum on its own or with another in future. In my view, the child protection referendum is sensitive, in which there are different arguments and which should be held on its own, as should the question regarding the abolition of the Seanad. I think the Deputy can agree with that. Whatever recommendations the constitutional convention may make in respect of the presidential period of service, the reduction in the voting age or the other issues, at least it requires a definitive answer from the Government on them. In other words, if it recommends that the presidential period should be reduced from seven to five years, the Government will make a decision either agreeing with it or not. We will not have a situation where the constitutional convention, hopefully working effectively, will not make a series of recommendations that are never referred to or acted on.

I would like to deal with the process of the current referendum. The Minister is preparing legislation for the child protection referendum and the preparations are ongoing in respect of the abolition of the Seanad. I will speak to the Leaders about that. I have prepared a memorandum for Government and I will bring it there in due course.

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