Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Today the Dáil is launching, via resolution, the constitutional convention. Before the election, both of the Government parties promised very radical political and constitutional reform within 12 months. We know the timeframe has slipped but, more seriously, the ambition has shrunk very significantly. What we are being presented with today in reality represents a sham compared to what was promised.

The issues of the voting age being reduced from 18 to 17 or the presidential term of office are not earth-shattering and do not need referral to a convention of this kind. What is perhaps more surprising is the referral of marriage equality to the convention, particularly given that the Tánaiste has described it as the civil rights issue of this generation. Some would suggest the issue was referred to the convention to buy time and perhaps to avoid having to make a decision on the issue. In referring it to the convention, the Taoiseach raised the prospect of there never being a referendum on marriage equality during the life of this Government and Dáil.

I believe in marriage equality and it is important that a referendum would take place. Last week, journalists attempted to ask a question of the Taoiseach on that basic issue. A melee developed afterwards-----

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