Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I had not realised the Minister's Department would also take the lead role on the provision relating to the role of women in the home and I would welcome any further information he can provide in that regard.

The recommendations contained in the report of the Constitutional Convention provided for a variety of different options. In terms of blasphemy it was fairly split on whether there should be any sort of statutory prohibition and there was support for a new provision against the incitement to religious hatred. The Minister said he has concluded consideration of the issue but we have to wait for a decision on the referendum before he publishes any Bill or sets out what is in the provision.

If we do not proceed with a presidential election - no one knows yet what will happen in that regard - is there a risk that the referendum will be put off? The Minister said he has to go to Government with the specific proposals. Is the Minister clear that the Government will agree to hold a series of referendums in October and possibly plebiscites no matter what happens in regard to a presidential election?

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