Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It may well be that he was otherwise busy. The Government was elected with a particular mandate and, comprising two parties, set out its programme for Government very clearly. The programme for Government includes the establishment of a constitutional convention to review named aspects of the Constitution and aspects relevant to it. When it is functioning the convention will have an opportunity to make a case for other issues that it considers important or of sufficient priority to be given consideration with a view to action by the Government or not as the case may be.

What is important is that the constitutional convention, on which I expect to move the resolution after these questions, will consider a named list of issues and will reflect on them on behalf of the Government. It is important to note the Government, unlike its predecessors, has committed to giving an answer on each of the convention's recommendations within a four-month period. If the Government's answer is that a referendum will not be held on a particular issue then so be it. If the Government's answer is that a referendum will be held, the Government will set out a timeline for when it might be appropriate to hold such a referendum.

Deputy Martin is well aware by now that in respect of the convention we decided to examine two issues in the first instance, which are very clearly not earth shattering but are important in their own way. It will also be pretty easy to determine a "Yes" or "No" answer in respect of these issues, which are the reduction of the service period for the Presidency and the possibility of reducing the voting age. The reason for choosing these two issues is to see whether the convention works efficiently, whether it would need enhanced powers and whether its structure is appropriate as it will be comprised of politicians and citizens determined by law and selected by an appropriate polling company.

One of the other issues for the convention mentioned in the programme for Government is equality of marriage or same-sex marriage. The process set out by the Government for which I speak is that the convention will reflect on the question of same-sex marriage, give its recommendation to the Government and the Government will respond on whether a referendum will be held within a four-month period. If a referendum is to be held the Government will set out the timescale on when it would intend to hold that referendum. Deputy Martin is aware that within the past 15 months we have held four referenda, three of which were carried and one of which was not.

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