Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, together.

As Deputies will be aware, the Dáil and Seanad passed resolutions prior to the summer recess approving the setting up of the constitutional convention. The issues to be considered by the convention go to the heart of Irish life and are of enormous importance to all our citizens. They include reducing the Presidential term of office to five years and aligning it with the local and European elections, reducing the voting age to 17, reviewing the Dáil electoral system, giving citizens resident outside the State the right to vote in Presidential elections at Irish embassies or elsewhere, making provision for same-sex marriage, amending the clause on the role of women in the home and encouraging greater participation of women in public life, increasing the participation of women in politics and removing the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution. The resolutions also noted that following its completion of the above reports, the convention can consider other relevant constitutional amendments that may be recommended by it.

The Government took the view that the convention should be composed solely of members of the public and elected representatives. That is the approach set out in the resolutions passed by the Houses. We are conscious of the view that has been expressed to the effect that interest groups or specific sections of society should be represented at the convention. Interest groups such as the Gay and Lesbian Network will be able to interact with the convention, for example by making submissions. Indeed, I expect the convention will be anxious to hear from a broad spectrum of opinion in carrying out its work. Since the resolution was passed, much of the necessary preparatory work has been put in place by the secretariat to the convention, which is funded from my Department’s Vote but operates independently. I understand those arrangements are nearing completion.

The final step in the establishment process is the appointment of a chair. This is a key role which is essential to the success of the convention. The Government is continuing to give it careful thought, although it has yet to make a final decision. I am grateful to the Opposition parties for the suggestions they have made for the position of chair. The names submitted are among those under consideration. I will brief the Opposition party leaders in advance of making an announcement on the appointment. Given the sensitivity of the position, it would not be appropriate for me to enter into speculation on any of the potential candidates or the final outcome.

I do, however, hope that an announcement can be made shortly and that the inaugural meeting of the constitutional convention will take place very soon thereafter.

Finally, it is important to recall that the Government has already put four separate proposals to amend the Constitution to the people in the last 12 months - on judges’ remuneration, on Oireachtas inquiries, on the EU stability treaty and, currently, on the rights of children. This is an impressive pace of constitutional reform by any historical standards. I am confident that this pace will be maintained throughout the lifetime of the Government, both through the implementation of our programme for Government commitments and in response to proposals to be put forward by the constitutional convention. That is why I committed to the House that the Government will respond to any proposals within four months. The people have supported two of the proposals we have put to them to date. I am hopeful that on 10 November they will support the historic proposal on the rights of our children.

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