Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is clear that the questions of the Seanad and child protection are outside the scope of the convention. This is because the two parties in Government, in respect of the programme for Government, stipulated that the question of the abolition of the Seanad being put to the people would not be a matter for the constitutional convention, but would be put to them in any event. I notice the Deputy's own party seems to have changed its mind on that as well.

In respect of child protection, as we indicated on a number of occasions, the intention is to hold that referendum in the autumn. I will not name a date for it, however, until I am happy that all the bodies and organisations involved are clear about the issue involved and what the wording actually means.

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