Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The Government has implemented a substantial programme of constitutional reform, holding six referendums since it took office. While we have no plans to hold a referendum during 2014, we announced that a number of referendums will be held in 2015. Others are under consideration. The details are as follows. Arising from recommendations in reports of the Convention on the Constitution, the Government has announced that it will bring forward proposals in 2015 for referendums on same-sex marriage, reducing the voting age to 16 and reducing the age of candidacy for presidential elections to 21. In addition, the Government has decided to refer to the relevant Oireachtas committee the question of a constitutional amendment to give citizens a say in the nomination process for presidential candidates. The Government has also undertaken to look at making Article 41.2 of the Constitution on the role of women gender neutral, and at including other carers both in and beyond the home. It has also undertaken to look at amending the Constitution to include the principle of gender equality, as well as the use of gender-inclusive language in the Constitution.

Recommendations for amendments to the Constitution in the Convention on the Constitution's later reports are under consideration by the relevant Ministers, and the Government will give its formal response on them in due course. Where the Government agrees to the holding of a referendum, it will give a proposed timeframe in its response.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is examining the question of an amendment to the Constitution in relation to a unified patent court, while the Minister for Justice and Equality is examining the question of an amendment to the Constitution to provide for a separate family court structure. Any proposals on these matters will be brought to the Government when ready, and the Government will announce any decisions on them in due course, including the timing of any referendum.

See this speech in context